Tue, February 3, 2026
Mon, February 2, 2026

Indian Boxing Team Heads to Spain for Boxam Elite Tournament

Valencia, Spain - February 3rd, 2026 - Olympic bronze medalist Lovlina Borgohain is spearheading a determined 10-member Indian boxing team as they arrive in Valencia, Spain, for the prestigious Boxam Elite Tournament, commencing February 6th. This competition isn't merely another event on the calendar; it's a pivotal proving ground in the intensive preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The team's departure on Monday signals a concerted push toward Olympic qualification and peak performance.

The Boxam Elite Tournament has rapidly gained recognition as a critical component in the international boxing circuit, attracting elite athletes from across Europe and beyond. It provides a uniquely challenging environment, allowing boxers to test their skills against formidable opponents and refine their strategies under pressure. The decision to send a mixed squad - comprising both experienced veterans like Borgohain and promising young talents - demonstrates the Boxing Federation of India's (BFI) commitment to building a robust and competitive team capable of challenging for medals in Paris.

Lovlina Borgohain's participation is particularly significant. The 75kg category will undoubtedly be a focal point for Indian fans, with all eyes on the Assam native to showcase her continued growth and solidify her position as a leading contender. Her bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics ignited a passion for boxing within India, and the nation anticipates another strong showing from her in Paris. The Boxam tournament will serve as a key indicator of her form after adjustments made post-Tokyo and during the rigorous training regimes implemented by the national coaching staff.

Beyond Borgohain, the team boasts a diverse range of talent. Jaismita Saha (60kg), Neelam Singh and Saweety Bommaywar (both in the 81kg+ category), Vishwanath Swargiary (48kg), Amit Singh Panghal (51kg), Mohit Sehrawat (63.5kg), Sumit Sangwan (71kg), Nijikaul Sachin (75kg) and Sakshi Choudhry (81kg+) all represent a wave of emerging Indian boxing prowess. Panghal, a seasoned competitor with a wealth of international experience, is expected to be a strong performer. The inclusion of younger boxers offers an opportunity to assess their potential and integrate them into the Olympic pipeline. The BFI is clearly looking beyond Paris, investing in the future of Indian boxing.

National coach Dharmendra Yadav emphasized the tournament's strategic importance: "This tournament is crucial for us to assess our current form and gain international exposure." Facing strong European opposition is expected to provide invaluable experience, particularly in adapting to different boxing styles and refereeing interpretations. European boxers are known for their technical precision and strategic discipline, offering a stark contrast to the styles encountered in other parts of the world. Successfully navigating this challenge will be vital for the Indian team's Olympic aspirations.

The competition in Valencia promises to be fierce. The Boxam Elite Tournament regularly attracts world-class boxers seeking to improve their rankings and secure Olympic qualification spots. For the Indian team, it's an opportunity to gauge their progress against the best, identify areas for improvement, and build the confidence necessary to succeed on the Olympic stage. The BFI has been working closely with international coaches and sports scientists to ensure the team is physically and mentally prepared for the challenges ahead.

Looking forward, the performance at the Boxam Elite Tournament will heavily influence the selection process for future international competitions, including crucial Olympic qualifying events. The BFI is likely to use the tournament results to refine its strategy and identify the boxers who are most likely to contribute to India's Olympic medal tally. The success of the Indian boxing program in recent years has raised expectations, and the team is under pressure to deliver on that promise in Paris. The nation eagerly anticipates witnessing the continued growth and success of its boxing stars, led by the inspiring Lovlina Borgohain.


Read the Full ESPN Article at:
[ https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/47807237/lovlina-borgohain-leads-indian-boxing-contingent-boxam-elite-tournament-spain-indian-sports-live-february-3 ]