Indian boxer Lovlina Borgohain progressed into the quarter-final of the women's welterweight (64-69kg) boxing event at Tokyo 2020 Olympics on Tuesday.

The 23-year-old defeated Nadine Apetz of Germany by a split decision (3-2) to secure a closely-fought win on her Olympic debut. 

Borgohain, who is the first boxer from Assam to qualify for the Olympics, is now one step away from a medal in the 69kg category. For the unversed, boxers advancing to the semi-final are assured of at least a bronze in the sport at the Olympics.

The Indian pugilist put on a commanding display to overcome the veteran German boxer and clinch all three rounds on split points. 

On Sunday, six-time world champion MC Mary Kom defeated Dominican Republic’s Miguelina Hernández 4-1 to advance to the round of 16 of the Tokyo Olympics.

However, other Indian boxers have had disappointing Tokyo 2020 campaigns as three of the nine pugilists have already been knocked out of the quadrennial event. 

Vikas Krishan (69kg), Manish Kaushik (63kg) and Ashish Kumar (75kg) have crashed out after losing in the first bout of their respective events. 

Meanwhile, world no.1 Amit Panghal, who is one of the favourites to win a medal in the flyweight division, will begin his Tokyo Olympics campaign against Yuberjen Martínez of Colombia on Saturday.

Another male boxer in the fray, Satish Kumar will also be in action against Jamaica’s Ricardo Brown in the round of 16 of the super heavyweight category (+91kg) on Thursday.

Two other Indian women boxers Simranjit Kaur (60kg) and Pooja Rani (75kg) are also yet to take the ring in Tokyo.

Lovlina will next face Chen Nien-chin of Chinese Taipei in the quarter-final of the women’s welter (64-69kg) boxing on Friday.

Featured photo: Twitter/Tokyo2020 for India