Mary Kom, the formidable five-time world champion, clinched an unprecedented fifth gold medal at the Asian Boxing Championships in Ho Chi Min City on Wednesday. In a fiercely contested final, she beat Korea’s Hyang Mi Kim (5-0) by unanimous decision and ended her gold medal drought since the Asian Games 2014 (in Incheon).
Within seconds of the bell, both boxers lunged in for a speedy exchange of punches. While the competitive Korean was relentless with her hooks, the Indian scored through counter-attack and combination blows. Unlike her earlier bouts, wherein Mary spent the first few minutes measuring her opponent, this one got right down to business. Prodded by some fine footwork, Hyang Mi Kim proved to be Mary Kom’s toughest task at the Championship.
Although the diminutive Manipuri boxer has been competing in the 51 kg category for the past five years, here she fought in her preferred 48 kg weight category. “I am really happy the way this Championship has panned out. I would like to dedicate this victory to all those who have supported me even though the world had written me off. I would like to thank my coaching staff who worked hard with me over the last few months,” she said after her victory. “A special word for the professional setup that BFI has put in place, ensuring the best facilities was given during the month-long camp and all the exposure trips for the team. Also, I am thankful to BFI president Mr. Ajay Singh especially for showing faith in me,” added the visibly emotional boxer.
© AP
Critics and cynics had written off Mary Kom after she failed to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics. But she has proved time and again that as long as she is fit and fighting, you can never write off ‘Magnificent Mary’. This new ‘silver lining’ boxing title comes amidst managing many roles outside the ring – a doting mother, a sincere Member of Parliament and running an academy of her own. She is out to better the country and its sports culture – and that’s what makes the indomitable M C Mary Kom a true tricolor champion!
– Varun Kumar | SpreadSports
