Without using force, Lovlina Borgohain guaranteed a medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Lovlina Borgohain has become the first Indian athlete to secure a medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow—even before stepping into the ring. Competing in the women's 75 kg boxing category, Lovlina received a direct entry into the semifinals because the event featured a small number of competitors. Under the tournament format, all semifinalists are guaranteed at least a bronze medal, meaning India has already opened its medal tally without Lovlina having to throw a single punch. The Olympic bronze medallist and 2023 World Champion will now face a boxer from Tuvalu in the semifinal on 31 July.

A victory in that bout will guarantee her at least a silver medal and a place in the gold-medal match. Lovlina is considered one of India's strongest boxing hopes, and this early medal assurance has boosted the country's confidence ahead of the rest of the Games. India's early success also highlights the nation's continued strength in boxing at major international events. While the automatic semifinal berth came because of the limited draw size rather than a walkover in competition, Lovlina will still need to win her remaining bouts to upgrade the guaranteed bronze into silver or gold