It has been eight years since M.C. Mary Kom clinched her fifth World title in Bridgetown. Yet, the legend of the diminutive boxer has grown because of the new milestones — being the first Indian woman to secure a medal in the Olympics and gold medals in the Asian and Commonwealth games — she has achieved in these years.
As her insatiable hunger provides Mary the kick to get going and be the undisputed flag-bearer for India in the World women’s boxing championships, starting at the Indira Gandhi Stadium Complex here on Thursday, the oft-repeated ‘Magnificent Mary’ epithet now appears insufficient to describe her greatness.
Thirtyfive-year-old Mary Kom belongs to the generation which bagged eight medals — including gold by Mary, Sarita Devi, Jenny R.L. and Lekha K.C. — when India hosted the event for the first time here in 2006.
ADVERTISEMENT
From that successful batch, Sarita is the other member who has carried on to be part of the Indian team — which has a fine mix of youth and experience — even now.
Worlds medallists Mary (48kg), Sarita (60kg) and Saweety Boora (75kg), Commonwealth Games silver medallist Pinky Rani (51kg) and Asian championships bronze medallists Bhagyabati Kachari (81kg) and Seema Poonia (+81kg) have got enough ring time.
The younger lot — comprising gutsy fighters such as Manisha Moun (54kg), Sonia (57kg), Simranjit Kaur (64kg) and Lovlina Borgohain (69kg) — has also made its mark in different international competitions featuring quality fields.
ADVERTISEMENT
Under the watchful eyes of head coach Shiv Singh and foreign coach Rafaele Bergamasco, they have polished themselves to give their best in front of the home crowd.
Mary, Pinki, Lovelina, Sarita, Sonia, Saweety and Seema have got first round byes.
Bhagyabati will meet German Irina-Nicoletta Schonberger in the first round, Manisha will take on Dina Zholaman of Kazakhstan on Friday, while Simranjit will meet Amelia Moore of the USA.
The 10th edition will see more than 300 entries from over 70 countries, including eight debutants. It also promises some thrilling action due to the presence of several World and Olympic medallists, including Ingrit Valencia (51kg) of Colombia, Stanimira Petrova (57kg) of Bulgaria, Anastasia Beliakova (60kg) of Russia, Mira Potkonen (60kg) of Finland, Nouchka Fontijn (75kg) of the Netherlands, Yin Junhua (57kg) and Yang Xiaoli (+81kg) of China and Lazzat Kungeibayeva (+81kg) of Kazakhstan.