Harpal Singh Bedi / New Delhi
M.C. Mary Kom, who punched her way to glory and history by becoming the first women boxer to win six world titles, was deservingly declared the best pugilist of the 10th World Women’s Boxing Championships which concluded here on Saturday.
The AIBA panel unanimously adjudged the Indian as the best among the competitors, An honour which the 35- year old, mother of three, richly deserved as her endurance, perseverance and the never-say-die attitude is unparallel in history.
Speaking at the official press conference, Mary Kom recalled her participation in the New Delhi event held in 2006. “At that time, boxers from fewer countries had participated. It was not even included in Olympics.
“Though we won eight medals, four gold included but competition is much tough nowadays and considering the fact, our results here (one gold, a silver and two bronze medals) were great. As for as organization, this one was better than what it was in 2006,” said Mary.
To a query to compare the win here with earlier gold medals, Mary Kom said it was difficult to remember. “But this one was very special. I was under pressure and had to change my weight category also. I won my last Worlds gold in 2010 and then the change of weight for Olympics happened. Pressure was something I always felt but don’t know how to put this gold alongside the earlier five,” she opined
However, Mary pointed out that she had won five on the trot. “Even Katie Taylor (of Ireland) had not done that,”
Sonia Chahal, who lost her 57 kg title bout to Omella Gabriele Wahner of Germany candidly admitted that she was happy to finish with a silver medal, while bronze medalist Lovlina pointed out how the New Delhi championships has given the Indian boxers the confidence they needed.
“This Championship gave us the confidence that we too can beat the best and we should fear none. We have beaten many top and world champion boxers in the last few days. But we need to work even hard from here on,” said the young Assamese pugilist.
Simranjit Kaur, who was unlucky to lose in the semifinals, and had to settle for bronze agreed with her teammates . “We need to work on strengthening ourselves more and the way we have competed in the Worlds is a good sign for the future of Indian boxing,” r
Boxing Federation of India president Ajay Singh who was present at the press conference o said that the world body has gave full marks to the organsiation and described it as the best championships ever in recent years.
“They were very happy and it gives us the confidence to go ahead and bid for more tournaments. We will be definitely eyeing to get one of the Olympic qualifying events to India,” he added.