The overall performance of the Indian boxers in the Asian women's championship was a big confidence booster for the team.
Seasoned boxers like M.C. Mary Kom and Sarita Devi, who moved up to fight in higher weight categories, proved that one could overcome all odds provided they had the class and experience.
The two won their first gold medals in higher weights in the Asian championship at Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, and that would stand them in good stead in the Olympic qualification event in May.
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Big occasion
It was a big occasion for Sarita, a former world champion and a multiple Asian title winner, who came back from a vacation to stamp her authority in the 60kg class.
She beat current Asian Games gold medallist Cheng Dong of China in the semifinals and defending champion Chorieva Mavzuna of Tajikistan in the final to corner glory.
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“I am one of the very few boxers in Asia who has won gold medals in different weights (twice each in 51kg and 54 and once in 60kg).
“This performance will lift my morale,” said 29-year-old Sarita after the team's return from Ulaanbaatar on Tuesday.
“My fitness level is good. My foot movement and speed is also satisfying. Now, I do not have to bother about my eating habits in order to keep my weight low,” she said.
“My opponents must have watched me during the Asian championship. So, I have to be ready for that and I have to watch their videos and prepare myself for the Olympic qualifier,” Sarita said.
Mary Kom happy
Mary Kom was delighted with her performance as she beat 2010 Asian Games gold medallist Ren Cancan in the final.
“This time Ren could not touch,” said a relieved Mary Kom, who had lost to the Chinese in the Guangzhou Asiad semifinals.
“I was determined to prove myself again. I have proved a point and set aside all the controversies (relating to my change in weight),” said Mary Kom.
Mary Kom said she had to train harder to make the cut for the Olympics. “The best boxers from Asia and Europe will be there (in the qualifier). I have to improve my game to earn a berth.”
Pat from the coach
National chief coach Anoop Kumar hailed the girls' effort. “Both Mary Kom and Sarita have shown how experience can help a boxer.”
“The most important point is we have done well in all the three Olympic weights. Apart from Sarita and Mary Kom, Pooja Rani, who lost to world champion and Asian Games gold medallist Jinzi Li of China in the 75kg final, also performed creditably,” he added.
Promising pugilists Pinki Jangra (48kg), Sonia Lather (54kg) and Monica Saun (69kg), who won silver medals, were also thrilled with their first major international achievements.
“This will make us more confident and the experience will help us in future events,” said Pinki.