Lovlina Shiva Hussamuddin
AHMEDABAD: The last-minute entry of Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Lulina Borghoen after recovering from a groin injury will intensify the competition in the boxing events at the 36th National Games starting from October 5 at the Mahatma Mandir here.
Lulina, who suffered a minor nose injury during the Asian Championship selection trials in Oman, had earlier withdrawn from the ongoing games. A pre-quarterfinal exit from the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, after a poor performance at the World Championships earlier this year, did not justify the Assamese boxer’s lackluster performance, and thus the National Games 69kg twice at the World Championships. Can deliver to the bronze medalist. Zimrah, Jordan is a great platform to reach out ahead of the Asian Championships starting on October 30 in Amman, Jordan.
“Initially, the doctors advised her to rest for three weeks, but if she recovers in time, she wants to participate in the National Games. She has also been given a nose cap. According to the Assam Amateur Boxing Association Association (AABA) replaced Lolina with Bhagyabati Kachari, and after 10 days, the Tokyo medalist came back to us and said she had regained full fitness. We took her word and agreed with the organizers. Another change was requested for which they obliged,” said Boxing Federation of India general secretary Hemanta Kumar Kalita.
“We hope that Lulina will make the most of the opportunity at the National Games, and return to full form before the Asian Championships,” he added.
Along with Lulina (75 kg), all eyes will be on 21-year-old Jasmin Limboria from Boxing Nursery in Bhiwani, Haryana.
Jasmin recently created history by becoming the first woman boxer to join the Indian Army after her Commonwealth Games 2022 bronze medal in the 60 kg division.
Jasmin will face tough competition from 2018 World Championship bronze medalist Simran Jeet Kaur Baat of Punjab.
