From Our Special Correspondent
GUWAHATI: Six-time world boxing champion, Mary Kom arrived in the city two days ahead of the second edition of the India Open International Boxing tournament here.
The London Olympic bronze medallist spent Saturday afternoon honing her skills at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre in the city as she sets her sights on the 51kg gold medal.
Mary Kom had bagged gold in the 48kg category of the India Open 2018.
The five-day premier event gets under way at the Karmabir Nabin Chandra Bordoloi Indoor Stadium here on May 20.
“Yes, of course, there are expectations from me. I have been training well and will give my 100 per cent to make my country proud. A change is always good and I feel more confident in 51kg after the last few months of rigorous training,” the star pugilist said.
“It feels like a homecoming to come here (Guwahati) and I hope there will be tremendous support for all the Indian boxers,” she said.
Top international boxers such as Asian Games gold medallist Baturov Bobo, Asian Games champion Mirzakhalilov Mirazizbek, two-time World Championships medallist Jasurbek Latipov of Uzbekistan, Youth Olympic champion Brian Agustin Arregui of Argentina, world champion, Josie Gabuco of Philippines will ensure that the line-up is competitive.
With a few months to go for the World Championships, which is also an Olympic qualifier, the India Open will serve as the preparatory ground for the participants.
Foreign teams have already started arriving with Thailand and Argentina being the first teams to touch down in Guwahati on Saturday while others are expected to arrive on Sunday.
