Russia, Octo 02
Six-time champion M C Mary Kom’s seemingly endless reservoir of experience makes her a strong medal contender yet again but the spotlight will also be on some youngsters when India takes guard at the World Women’s Boxing Championship starting here on Thursday.
The 36-year-old Manipuri has been an ambassador of the sport not just in India but also the world over but there is a minor blemish in her magnificent record—the lack of a world title in the 51kg category.
She would be aiming to set it right in this Russian city. This is not to say she hasn’t done well in the hard-fought category—Mary Kom has the Olympic bronze medal and the Asian Games gold to her credit in the division.
Former champion and Mary Kom’s contemporary L Sarita Devi (60kg) is another one to watch out for after she defeated last edition’s bronze-winner and a much younger Simranjit Kaur in the trials.
The eight-time Asian medallist is also in the running to become a member of the International Boxing Association’s (AIBA) first ever athletes commission, the voting for which will take place during the mega-event here. She is expected to make the panel as there hasn’t been any other nomination from the Asian bloc.
