Lovlina keen to add more power to her punches in the lead-up to the Asian Games

The boxer feels that the gold in the 75kg category at the National Games will hold her in good stead in future international events

Having secured the National Games gold as her first medal in the 75kg, Olympic bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain is keen to add power to her punches in the run-up to the Asian Games next year.

Lovlina, who came out of a nose injury she picked up last month to compete in the National Games here, felt that the gold here was a good build-up for the Asian championships.

“This performance (in my first competition in 75kg) will boost my preparation for the Asian championships. The competition level was good here, so that will help. The feeling was good in the final but I was not happy about the earlier fights. I need to train more and focus on my performance,” Lovlina told The Hindu.

“Generally the Asian championships is a tough event, but I will try my best to perform well.”

The tall boxer said she needed to work on gaining more power. “The most important thing is to increase my weight. When you jump to a higher weight, you need to work on your strength. Normally my body weight remains between 72kg and 73kg.

“If it becomes 75kg, then it will become easier to compete. I need to change my diet and training to fit well into the new weight category. I need to do some exercises to build muscles.

“Every session and every day is important as you face one competition after another. Since there is not much time left for the Asian championships, I think I can improve (my power) by the Asian Games (which will be an Olympic qualifying event).”