GUWAHATI, Aug 4: The residence of Tiken Borgohain at Baro Mukhiya village in Assam's Golaghat district witnessed a huge gathering since morning on Wednesday.
It's a big day as his daughter Lovlina Borgohain's boxing semifinal bout was scheduled. For journalists, it's a major assignment of the day to be present at her residence to record the proceedings.
"I'm happy and content. As parents we are more than happy that my daughter has won a bronze," the senior Borgohain told a group of reporters at his residence.
"I know it's disheartening that she lost her bout today. But for me to represent the country in the Olympics itself is so big."
On Wednesday, Lovlina lost to her Turkish opponent Busenaz Surmeneli by 0-5.
But that didn't deter the atmosphere at her residence and in the village… in fact, in the entire State and the country.
"It's history. It's a historic day for us… for the entire State. A girl from this remote village has won a medal in the Olympics is huge. She is just the third Indian boxer to win a medal in Olympics. So, you see the gravity of the situation," said Gautam, a neighbour who likes to keep track at global sporting developments.
He also thinks that Lovlina's feat will inspire thousands of young kids and especially those from the rural areas to do something big in sports.
"I'm sure this will inspire many across the country. Even a village girl with minimum facilities can reach this height. This feat will be remembered in history," he added.
For father, Tiken Borgohain who stays away from watching his daughter live in action said that Lovlina would have liked to reach the final and win the gold.
"It was her dream to be in the final and win the gold. That dream didn't fulfil. But it's alright," he said.
"How you play in the ring that matters. I'm told that she started well in the first round but couldn't continue."
With the bronze, Lovlina becomes the first athlete from Assam to win an Olympic medal. She is also the first woman from the state to represent the country in the greatest show on earth.
