From Our Special Correspondent
GUWAHATI: Six-time world champion Mary Kom and Asian Championships bronze medallist, Nikhat Zareen from Telangana are set for a blockbuster semi-final showdown in the 51kg category after confirming medals at the 2nd India Open International Boxing Tournament here on Tuesday.
Walking into the ring to the loud cheers of a packed crowd at the Karmabir Nabin Chandra Bordoloi Indoor Stadium here, the London Olympic bronze medallist wasted little time in her 5-0 win. Such was the aura of the ‘Magnificent’ Mary that even her opponent showed no regret in the loss as she was seen sporting a broad smile hugging the Indian boxing idol in excitement. “It’s also a learning experience for me. The Nepal opponent was experienced and and quite strong. It’s glad to be back in India. We all are trying our best to make the country proud,” Mary Kom, who made her competitive debut at home in 51kg, said.
The celebrated Manipuri boxer had opted out of the Asian Championships last month in order to prepare for the World Championships. Mary will be up against fellow Indian and Asian Championships bronze medallist Nikhat Zareen in a blockbuster semi-final as the duo confirmed two medals for India.
Strandja Cup gold medallist Nikhat was equally impressive with a flurry of punches against compatriot Anamika in her 5-0 victory. Up against her ‘idol’, Nikhat will be looking to avenge her South Asian Games defeat to Mary Kom in the semifinals. “I was nervous nervous last time but this time I’m well prepared and hope to give my best,” Nikhat said.
Manju Rani, Monika and Kalavani also entered the 48kg semi-finals to confirm five medals for India on the second day of India’s premier boxing tournament assuring a medal tally of 15.
In a one-sided bout here on Tuesday evening, Nepal’s Mala Rai was no match for the London Olympic bronze medallist Mary Kom who progressed to the last-four with a commanding 5-0 win.
Strandja Cup gold medallist, Nikhat too was equally impressive with her flurry of punches against compatriot Anamika to register a comfortable 5-0 victory.
Strandja Cup silver medallist, Manju Rani kept attacking her opponent, Cleo Claveras Tesara of Philippines from the start to earn a win by RSC (Referee Stop Contest) in Round 1 and move to the 48kg semi-finals.Monika was equally dominant in her quarter-final bout against Thailand’s Apaporn Intongsee to earn a 5-0 win.
Kalavani was deemed the winner by RSC in Round 2 over Bhutan’s Tandin Lhamo while Nitu did not enjoy the same fortune and was blanked 0-5 by former world champion Josie Gabuco of Philippines.
Earlier in the day, four Indian men pugilists made it to the quarter-finals. In an upset, Pawan Kumar made short work of reigning Youth Olympic champion Brian Agustin Arregui of Argentina 4-1 for a place in the 69kg quarter-finals.
Ten Indian boxers have already confirmed medals even before the start of the event with six men and four women being placed in the semi-finals because of the smaller size of the draw.
Among the men, Brijesh Yadav and Sanjay are already into the 81kg semi-finals and so are Naman Tanwar and Sanjeet in 91kg and Satish Kumar and Atul Thakur in +91kg.
Among wpmen, Lovleena Borgohain and Anjali are already assured of medals in 69kg while Bhagyabati Kachari and Sweety Bora are through to the last-four in 75kg by virtue of a first round bye.