Paris Olympics 2024 Boxing: Lovlina Borgohain defeats Sunniva Hofstad in a unanimous decision to qualify for quarterfinals
Indian boxer Lovlina Borgohain has got off to a flying start at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Lovlina defeated Norway’s Sunniva Hoftad in a unanimous decision in the women’s 75kg round of 16 bout on Wednesday, July 31. With the win, Lovlina has proceeded to the quarterfinals round in Paris.
The 2020 Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist wore a smile right from the moment she entered the ring. It was apparent that the Indian backed herself and was confident to get the job done against a relatively less experienced opponent.
The battle between experience and youth started with Lovlina catching the young Hofstad with a jab in the initial couple of minutes in round one. The Norweigan found it difficult to land any significant punches on her more pedigreed opponent. Lovlina was the aggressor for the entirety of the sound while her opponent defended.
Hofstad tried to get closer to Lovlina in the second round but kept being hit by the jab. Borgohain started to find her groove as the round progressed. The more Hofstad walked into Lovlina’s range, the more shots to the face she had to take.
A convincing unanimous decision victory in the end for Lovlina Borgohain
In a visible sign of desperation, trailing in the scorecards, Sunniva resorted to some wild swinging in round three. However, Lovlina Borgohain kept away from danger with much ease. The Indian pugilist continued to apply pressure on her opponent.
As the boxing match progressed into its final stages, a win for Lovlina, the reigning world champion in the category, was just around the corner. In the hope of bringing out something special, the talented Sunniva Hofstad continued swinging but could not connect.
Lovlina Borgohain closed off the round with all her experience and maturity at play. The Indian pugilist was triumphant with a 5-0 unanimous decision at the end of the bout. She will now go up against China's Li Qian in the quarterfinals on August 4.