Guwahati/IBNS: Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain unveiled her plans to establish a foundation that will focus on educating young athletes on several topics including the dangers of doping.

The Lovlina Foundation's primary objective is to reach out to 1,000 athletes statewide and promote awareness regarding various aspects such as diet and nutrition, cautioning athletes and coaches against resorting to self-prescribed medications, and other related matters.

As of now, the renowned boxer is taking a short hiatus from the national camp in Patiala.

In an interview with EastMojo, she mentioned that she has had several discussions with the Assam Olympic Association regarding the foundation's scope, which is not limited to boxing but will encompass athletes from diverse sports disciplines.

“Initially, we are planning to start the Lovlina Foundation in Assam, where we will include around 1,000 athletes from various sporting disciplines, and raise awareness on sensitive issues, including doping."

"It is very necessary to guide our youngsters against the use of non-prescribed drugs that might jeopardise their careers,” stated Lovlina during the felicitation ceremony arranged by the Assam Olympic Association (AOA).

“We will have a team of experts, comprising coaches, fitness experts, and medical professionals to look after the athletes and their well-being. Initially, we’ll start in the state before gradually moving to the other states," she stated further.

Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and former Chief Minister of Assam, who also holds the position of AOA president, advised young athletes to be cautious as they are more vulnerable to performance-enhancing drugs.

“Your food is your medicine. No medicine can heal your body better than your food, so it is always advisable to have the adequate quantity of food that your body wants, and not fall for greed."

"Sports science and medicine, and food supplement awareness are the major areas of focus in the sports universities," stated the former Chief Minister.

Lakhya Konwar, the AOA secretary and AFI vice president, acknowledged the significance of events like the Assam Youth Olympics and expressed optimism that the upcoming second edition, to be held in Dibrugarh, would enable the discovery of more talented athletes from the state.

He also commended Parthiv Sundar Gogoi and Apurna Narzary, both hailing from Assam, for their leadership in the Under-23 men's and women's national football teams, respectively.

During the event, Commonwealth Games gold medallist lawn bowls player Nayanmoni Saikia, and Boxing Federation of India (BFI) general secretary Hemanta Kalita were also felicitated along with Lovlina, with a cash award of Rs 50,000 each. Rajya Sabha MP Bhubaneswar Kalita was also present on the occasion.