Mary Kom advances to semis in Strandja Memorial
Team Udayavani, Feb 23, 2018, 1:01 PM IST
Sofia (Bulgaria): Five-time world champion M C Mary Kom (48kg) today assured herself of a third successive international medal by advancing to the semifinals of the 69th Strandja Memorial Boxing Tournament for men and women here today.
The 35-year-old, who came here on the back of gold medals at the Asian Championships and the India Open, defeated old nemesis Steluta Duta of Romania in her quarterfinal contest.
Mary Kom relied on her sharper reflexes to outwit Steluta, who is a three-time world championships silver-medallist and a four-time gold-winner at the European Championships.
Interestingly, all of Steluta’s world championship silver medals are courtesy losses to Mary Kom in the finals (2006, 2008 and 2010).
Clashing after a considerable gap, the two boxers were locked in a fierce exchange of blows but Mary Kom managed to edge past by keeping her distance and not allowing the Romanian a clear shot for most of the bout.
The competitiveness, however, did not come in the way of mutual respect as the two embraced each other warmly at the end of the contest.
In the men’s competition, Dheeraj Rangi (64kg) bowed out of the competition after losing his opening bout to Louis Colin Richarno.
India are assured of four medals so far in the tournament courtesy women boxers — Seema Punia (+81kg), Saweety Boora (75kg), Mena Kumari Devi (54kg) and Bhagyabati Kachari (81kg).
While Saweety and Meena won their quarterfinal contests, Seema and Bhagyabati got byes.
Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.
Top News
Related Articles More
Indian prodigy D Gukesh returns triumphant to cheering crowds in Chennai
Credit to Stoinis as it didn’t seem like 210 track: KL Rahul
“Had the game in hand, but…”: Ruturaj Gaikwad on reason behind CSK’s 1st home loss in IPL 2024
Stoinis ton shocks CSK as LSG win by six wickets
IPL 2024: We’ve got a little bit of improving to do, both with bat and ball, says Warner
MUST WATCH
Latest Additions
Kotak Mahindra Bank shares tank 13%; mcap erodes by Rs 37,721 crore post RBI action
Lok Sabha polls 2024: Sunita Kejriwal likely to join AAP’s campaign in Delhi, will hold roadshows this weekend
NCBC seeks clarification from Karnataka chief secretary on reservation policy for Muslims
Kerala Election 2021: 194 Candidates Battle for Votes from 2.75 Crore Voters
Accused in firing on police arrested in Delhi’s Rohini