Mary Kom Makes it to Olympic Qualifiers, Beats Nikhat Zareen

It was on Thursday, 26^th Dec, Indian Boxing champion Mary Kom makes it to Olympics Qualifiers after beating Nikhat Zareen in the 51 kg boxing trial event. In a tough bout between the two, the 36-year-old May Kom dominated her opponent Nikhat on the final moment with 9-1 points. However once the result was announced, 23-year-old former Junior World Champion Nikhat Zareen supporters and a few representatives from her home state Telangana Boxing Association opposed the decision shouting foul.

In the final three minutes slot, Mary Kom leads the bout by refusing her rival to get a clear shot against her. The tensions between the two were clearly visible with their gestures, both exchanging words during the bout and also outside the ring. After the fight,  two refuted themselves from shaking their hands.

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Ajay Singh, Boxing Federation of India had to intervene in the situation thereby calming the situation after AP Reddy, claiming to represent the Telangana Boxing Association, blatantly protested the final decision.

After being asked by Singh to leave the ring, Reddy expressed his bitter feelings and calmed by Nikhat herself, by saying “How will boxing grow amid this kind of politics”.

Ajay Singh praised Mary Kom’s victory by stating “Whatever one can say about Mary Kom, it is always going to be less. She is a phenomenal talent. As of Nikhat, she is great hope for the future and she was impressive in the bout too.”

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After the perturbed event, Mary Kom told to PTI, “It was a bit angry, There is no doubt. But it’s all done now. I have moved on. All I say is that talk once you perform not before that. Everyone can see what you do in the ring.” Also when questioned about her refused to hug Zareen, she explained, “they call it clinching in our sport”. She also said, “I did not start this controversy. I never said I won’t appear for trial. That’s what I can’t take it when somebody insinuates that probably it was my fault. It was not my fault and my name shouldn’t have been dragged into it.”

Nikhat Zareen showed her distress by saying “I am hurt by how Kom behaved. She also used some foul languages inside the ring, but it’s ok. I am junior to her, it would have been nice for her to just exchange a hug once it over. But I don’t want to comment any further”.

In the similar two events, Sonia Lather (57 Kg) two-time world silver medallist was knocked down by opponent Sakshi Chaudhary. She had to face a stiff fight and defeat against the relentless attack of Chaudhary.

Simranjit Kaur, National champion outperformed against former World Champion, L Sarita Devi in a 60 kg championship with 8-2 margin. After triumphing Lalita, two times World Champion, Lovlina Borgohian (69 Kg) is another boxer to join the squad. Pooja Rani in the 75 Kg category confirmed her spot by easily defeating Nupur with 10-0 points.

Final Indian Squad for Olympic Qualifier

1. Mary Kom – 51 Kg
2. Sakshi – 57 Kg
3. Simarnjit – 60 Kg
4. Lovlina – 69 Kg
5. Pooja – 75 Kg