‘Could Have Been My Farewell’: Lovlina Borgohain Opens Up On Retirement Plans After Paris Olympics

Indian boxing star Lovlina Borgohain, one of the country’s most celebrated athletes, has opened up about a deeply personal and emotional chapter in her career – her thoughts on retirement following the Paris Olympics 2024. The Olympic medalist, who has carried the nation’s hopes on her shoulders in global tournaments, revealed that she seriously considered stepping away from the sport after the Games.

A Journey Marked by Determination

Lovlina rose to prominence during the Tokyo Olympics 2021, where she clinched a historic bronze medal in the women’s welterweight division. Her achievement instantly made her a household name in India, inspiring countless young athletes to pursue boxing. Since then, she has continued to battle on the international stage, representing the tricolor with pride.

However, the road has not been easy. Injuries, form fluctuations, and the immense mental and physical demands of professional boxing have taken their toll. The Paris Olympics, which saw her compete against some of the best fighters in the world, turned into a defining point in her career – both in terms of performance and personal reflection.

Lovlina’s Candid Confession

In a recent interaction, Lovlina revealed that the Paris Olympics could have been her “farewell tournament.” She admitted that she had been contemplating stepping away from the sport, particularly because of the relentless challenges that athletes face behind the scenes.

She stated, “After Paris, I was really thinking about whether I should continue. It could have been my farewell, but then I realized that boxing has given me everything – my identity, my achievements, and the love of people. That made me rethink my decision.”

Her words struck a chord with fans, offering a glimpse into the emotional battles athletes fight beyond the ring.

Why Retirement Crossed Her Mind

For Lovlina, the decision to even consider retirement wasn’t easy. The years of hard training, staying away from family, constant traveling, and the pressure to deliver medals for the nation can wear down even the strongest athletes. She admitted that there were moments of self-doubt, especially when results didn’t always match the effort she put in.

The Paris Olympics brought those emotions to the forefront. Although she performed admirably, the weight of expectations and the grind of preparation forced her to evaluate her future.

Choosing to Continue

Despite her initial thoughts of retiring, Lovlina has decided to continue her journey in boxing – a decision that has brought immense relief to her fans and supporters. She emphasized that her love for the sport, coupled with the encouragement she receives from her coaches, teammates, and well-wishers, played a crucial role in motivating her to stay on.

She said that while retirement may eventually come, she wants to give her best in the years ahead and continue adding glory to Indian boxing.

The Road Ahead

With the 2026 Commonwealth Games and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on the horizon, Lovlina’s presence will be invaluable for Indian boxing. Her experience, grit, and ability to rise in high-pressure situations make her one of the cornerstones of the women’s team.

For now, fans can take comfort in knowing that Lovlina is not hanging up her gloves just yet. Her journey serves as a reminder of the resilience of athletes – not just in their battles inside the ring, but in the personal choices they make outside of it.

Lovlina Borgohain’s confession about her retirement plans after the Paris Olympics has shed light on the untold struggles of professional sport. While medals and records capture headlines, it’s the stories of perseverance and self-reflection that truly inspire. For India, her decision to continue is a victory in itself – ensuring that the nation’s boxing dreams remain alive and thriving.