Olympic bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain on Wednesday returned to the Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre in Guwahati, describing the facility as her “second home” and saying she had no regrets about raising objections over an incorrect map of India printed on paper napkins at a restaurant in Glasgow, Scotland.
The Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist said the SAI centre played a crucial role in her boxing career and was where her journey began.
“I am feeling very good. This is like my second home. This is where I started, and my life changed here,” Lovlina told reporters.
Recalling the transformation of the centre, she said the facilities had improved considerably since she first began training there, with better infrastructure, a boxing hall and accommodation facilities now available.
On the Glasgow incident, Lovlina said she decided to speak up because remaining silent could allow similar mistakes to be repeated.
“I was feeling bad, and everyone noticed it. I believed that if we remained silent, it would only encourage such mistakes in the future,” she said.
Lovlina said the issue received a positive response and that the Indian Embassy also took note of it. She added that the map was subsequently corrected.
The boxer said she deliberately raised the matter calmly rather than reacting angrily, stressing that concerns could be conveyed effectively without losing one’s temper.
Looking ahead, Lovlina said her main target at the upcoming Asian Games is to win the gold medal. She had won silver at the previous edition and said her preparations were progressing well.
She also expressed optimism about the sporting talent emerging from the Northeast, saying the region has considerable potential and that many young athletes are coming forward.
“Hopefully, a new sporting era for the Northeast has begun,” she said.
