Eight Indian boxers get first round bye

New Delhi: Five-time world champion M C Mary Kom is among seven other boxers who have been accorded first-round byes, but she is the only Indian to get one of the top-seeding slots for the 10th AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships which begin at the KD Jhadav Hall here on Friday.
The No 2 seed Indian in 48 kg category will not have to enter the ring until Sunday when she takes on the winner of the preliminary round bout between Kazakhstan’s Algerim Kassenayeva and American Jazzell Bobadilla.
The pugilist from Mongolia, Jargalan Ochirabat in light fly (48kg) has been given the top seed position.
Mary Kom, who is chasing her sixth world crown and considered the hosts’ best bet to win gold, is placed in the second half of the draw. She faces two main hurdles in Uzbekistan’s Julasal Sultonalieva and North Korean Kim Hyang Hyang Mi, who too have received first-round byes.
However, the Indian’s main opponent in the semifinals could be the North Korean and also the winner of a silver medal at the ABC Confederation.
The other Indians, who have received first-round byes include Rani Pinki (51), Sonia (57), Sarita Devi (60), Lovlina Borgohain (69), Saweety (75) and Seena Punia (81+). But Manisha (54), Smranjit Kaur (64) and Bhagyabati Kachari (81) will jump into fray straightaway as their weight categories have more entries and they will have to fight at least a couple of rounds to qualify for the quarterfinals, slated for Tuesday next. (PTI)