Borgen Aims for Early Qualification Ahead of 2028 Los Angeles Games

New Delhi, 4 Oct – Following her gold‑medal performance at the Asian Games, Indian boxer Lovlina Borgen has set a clear target: secure an Olympic berth at the first qualifying tournament for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. The 2027 World Boxing Championships in Kazakhstan, scheduled as the opening qualifier, will host all Asian Games medalists as primary entrants, according to the Boxing Federation of India.

Borgen explained her approach: “We always strive to qualify at the earliest chance. Early qualification allows athletes to enjoy a longer, uninterrupted preparation period, similar to how a hockey squad plans its training schedule.”

With a spot secured, the boxer and her team can concentrate on a structured Olympic‑specific camp, focusing on technical sparring, nutrition, and psychological conditioning without the distraction of ongoing qualification matches.

While the gold medal boosted her confidence, Borgen stressed that the win was not a rebuttal to her earlier Olympic experience in Paris. “I’m simply living this moment,” she said. “There’s no need to prove anything. Every boxer, heavy or light, puts in equal effort. Medals may come, but the grind remains constant.”

She underscored self‑trust as the cornerstone of her mindset. “Believe in yourself regardless of external opinions. If you think you can, you will.”

The highlight of her Asian Games victory was the playing of the Indian national anthem as she stood on the podium. “Seeing our flag lifted while the anthem sounds is a dream for any athlete. That feeling drives me to aim for the Olympic podium and hear it again.”