CWG 2026: Lovlina Borgohain Assured of First Medal for India, Enters 75kg Semifinals With Bye

July 23, 2026

Glasgow: India has opened its medal tally at the Commonwealth Games 2026 even before the opening ceremony, with Olympic bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain securing the country’s first medal after advancing directly to the women’s 75kg boxing semifinals with a bye.

With only five boxers in the competition, three athletes, including Lovlina, received direct entry into the semifinals, while the remaining two will compete in the lone quarterfinal.

Under Commonwealth Games boxing rules, both losing semifinalists receive bronze medals, guaranteeing Lovlina at least a bronze before stepping into the ring.

Lovlina to begin campaign in semifinal

Lovlina will face Taafaki in the semifinal on July 31, with a place in the gold medal bout at stake.

A victory will ensure India at least a silver medal, while a defeat would still see the 27-year-old boxer finish on the podium with bronze.

The medal marks Lovlina’s first-ever Commonwealth Games medal, having missed out in her previous two appearances.

Maiden CWG medal completes remarkable multi-sport record

Lovlina was eliminated in the quarterfinals at Gold Coast 2018 and suffered an opening-round exit at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, where she competed in the 69kg category.

Her assured medal in Glasgow means she has now won medals at every major multi-sport event she has contested, including the Olympic Games, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.

The Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist also won gold at the 2023 World Boxing Championships and silver at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou.

Lovlina to lead India at opening ceremony

Lovlina Borgohain will also serve as one of India’s flag and baton bearers during the Commonwealth Games 2026 opening ceremony alongside Tokyo Olympic silver medallist Mirabai Chanu.

The Assam boxer remains one of India’s most accomplished athletes and will now aim to convert her guaranteed bronze into a higher podium finish in Glasgow.