Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Guwahati: Boxer Lovlina Borgohain walked away from her meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a new sense of pride. The 75 kg Commonwealth Games silver medalist sat down with the leader to discuss her performance and the state of the sport in India. It was a big moment. Borgohain noted that athletes previously never dreamed of such access to the country's highest office.
Modi took a personal interest in her recent travel challenges, specifically noting her handling of the Glasgow map controversy and a separate incident at a restaurant. He offered praise for her composure. "The way he motivates and supports us is incredible," Borgohain said. She added, "It feels wonderful because when the country's Prime Minister speaks highly of you, it's a unique and amazing feeling."
The two analyzed India's strong showing at the Commonwealth Games. They looked ahead to the next Olympic Games, eyeing a higher medal count for the national team. Borgohain credited the Prime Minister for the attention now flowing toward domestic athletes. "Our boxers performed exceptionally well this time. We really changed the game at the Commonwealth Games," she said. The meeting confirmed for her that the sport has a clear path forward.
Updated at 13th August 2026 at 10:06pm
Beyond the high level sit-down in New Delhi, the accolades hit home in her home state. On August 13, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma handed Borgohain a 30 lakh rupee check at Lok Sewa Bhawan in Dispur. The payout recognizes her silver medal win in the 75kg class, a performance that stands as her first-ever podium finish at the Commonwealth Games.
During the ceremony, attended by state sports officials, the boxer swapped her gear for the occasion, gifting two Indian team jerseys to the Chief Minister. The event served as more than a payday. Sarma pinned the boxer as a role model, citing her grit and consistency against Australia's Emma-Sue Greentree, who edged her out in the final. Officials hope the cash boost will fuel her drive for upcoming international campaigns.
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