Lovlina Borgohain’s village waits with bated breath to welcome hero

GUWAHATI: Around 2,000-odd dwellers of Baro Mukhia village in upper Assam’s Golaghat district are eagerly waiting to accord a hero’s welcome to their very own girl Lovlina Borgohain, who scripted history by clinching a medal at the Tokyo Olympics on Wednesday.
Lovlina’s bronze at the ongoing biggest sports event was celebrated more than a gold at her native village located more than 300km east from Guwahati as well as other parts of the state on Wednesday.
There was an air of celebration like in the spring festival of Bihu in the village. People danced on the streets and the sound of drumbeats and firecrackers reverberated in the village.
Swapan Chakrabarty, a local resident, said, “It is a very proud moment for us. There are no sports infrastructure and boxing rings here, but her dedication and hard work have taken her to the world stage. And finally, she clinched a medal at her debut Olympics.”
He said the villagers have made some plans, including a procession to accord a hero’s welcome to Lovlina and celebrate the moment of her arrival at the village.
Lovlina’s village was connected to the world with a mud and stone track before she assured the nation a medal after winning her quarterfinals on Friday against Chinese Taipei’s Chen Nien-chin. After her win in the quarters, the road was repaired by the public works department.
Meanwhile, Sports Authority of India (SAI), regional director, Guwahati, Satish K. Sarhadi said he met with other officials of the SAI on Wednesday to plan her welcome.
“The plan has not been finalised yet but is likely to be given final shape by Thursday,” he said, adding that Lovlina made the SAI authority proud by clinching a medal at the Olympics.
Lovlina’s coach, Padum Boro, is also excited to welcome his protege at the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International (LGBI) Airport.