The Hindu : Sport / Boxing : Marykom to lead Indian charge

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Tuesday, Sep 23, 2008
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Sport - Boxing

Marykom to lead Indian charge

S. Sabanayakan

— PHOTO: RITU RAJ KONWAR

POSTER BOY: Olympic bronze medallist Vijender Singh talks to the media at the 4th Asian women’s boxing championship.

GUWAHATI: Indian women have made deep inroads in what was essentially a man’s bastion — boxing. Led by three-time world champion M.C. Marykom, the Indian women have been among medals in the world as well as Asian championship in the past.

The fourth Asian women’s championship beginning at Sarusajai Complex in the outskirts of Guwahati here from Tuesday too promises a successful campaign for the 13 Indian boxers in fray. The redoubtable Marykom, who gave birth to twins recently, will be seen in action in an international championship since attaining motherhood.

The Manipuri boxer will be competing in her favourite 46 kg weight class and hopes to win another gold medal. “She is indeed a strong contender for the gold medal,” said coach Anup Kumar.

Indian women had a rich haul from the last championship held at Chinese Taipei. Seven gold medals, two silver and as many bronze medals enabled India to finish among the top teams in the continent. Three of the seven gold medal winners from the 2007 championship — Marykom, L. Sarita Devi and K.C. Lekha — have found a place in the team this year as well and naturally the host starts favourite in the weight categories.

Only India and strong contender, China, are expected to field a full complement of 13 boxers at least on the eve of the championship. China, according to Col. Muralidharan Raja, the Indian Boxing Federation secretary, is likely to pull out of the 46 and 48 kg groups. “Everything will be clearer on Tuesday after the weigh-in,” he assured.

Approximately 83 pugilists are likely to be in fray from 12 countries but Col. Raja said that Indonesia was yet to arrive with the four boxers it had entered.

Apart from India and China North Korea and Kazakhstan are also likely to dominate the show. Most of the world champions are from these countries. The four apart, South Korea, Macao, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Vietnam, Chinese Taipei, Indonesia and Mangolia have sent in entries.

To give a real boost to women’s boxing Beijing bronze medalist Vijender Singh will be present during the inauguration of the championship.

The Indian team: 46 kg: M.C. Marykom, 48 kg: Kalpana Choudhury, 50 kg: Chhoto Loura, 52 kg: L. Sarita Devi, 54 kg: Pavitra, 57 kg: N. Usha, 60 kg: Pranamika Borah, 63 kg: S. Ibemcha Devi, 66 kg: Kavita, 70 kg: Seema Devi Yadav, 75 kg: Renu, 80 kg: K.C. Lekha, 86 kg: Kavita.