Nagoya: Friday, October 2, the 14th day of the Asian Games in Japan, turned out to be India’s most successful and one of the most remarkable days of the Games so far. India won as many as six gold medals to climb from eighth to fifth place in the medal standings. For several Indian athletes, however, the day became memorable for another special reason as well.
It was 29-year-old boxer Lovlina Borgohain’s birthday on Friday, October 2, and she made the occasion even more special by winning the gold medal in the 75kg category. Lovlina defeated China’s Ziyi Bao 5-0 with a powerful and dominant performance. The birthday girl turned into a golden girl on her special day.
On Friday, Indian boxer Parveen Hooda defeated Chinese Taipei’s Olympic medallist Chen Nien-chin 3-2 in a thrilling 65kg bout. Chen looked confident of winning the contest, but after a close decision and some differences among the judges, Parveen was declared the winner 3-2. In a heartwarming moment, Chen herself lifted Parveen inside the ring and celebrated her victory with her.
The unusual gesture left everyone smiling, while Chen’s sporting spirit and emotions were widely appreciated.
India also defeated defending champions China 1-0 in the women’s hockey final to clinch the gold medal. The only goal of the match was scored by Indian player Lalremsiami in the 10th minute.
Thereafter, led by Salima Tete, India maintained a rock-solid defence throughout the match and did not allow China to score even once. For Lalremsiami, the golden-goal scorer, the final was even more special as it marked her 200th international appearance. She made the milestone memorable for herself and for India by scoring the match-winning goal.
The Indian women’s hockey team won the Asian Games gold medal after a gap of 44 years and also secured qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games.