<< Back to Elections 2024

Reputations don't matter to boxing ace Mary Kom

Updated on: 23 November,2010 08:33 AM IST |
Ashwin Ferro | ashwin.ferro@mid-day.com

"World Champion? So what?" that's how India's ace female pugilist Mary Kom replied when MiD DAY asked her what she thought of her semi-final opponent Cancan Ren of China, whom she takes on today

"World Champion? So what?" that's how India's ace female pugilist Mary Kom replied when MiD DAY asked her what she thought of her semi-final opponent Cancan Ren of China, whom she takes on today.

Cancan became the first woman to taste victory in the women's boxing event that is making its debut at the Asian Games here, when she thumped South Korean Jang Eu-na 8-1. Not one to be left behind, India's five-time World Champion Mary Kom too punched her way into the semi-finals doubling Cancan's score in the bargain.

"It was great to be fighting for the country for the first time in such a huge event. Otherwise its us boxers fighting all alone, but here it felt like the entire country was behind me," Mary Kom said of her first fight at the Asiad.

As for her semi-final, Mary Kom said: "Reputations and past records are all left behind once you step into the ring. So, I won't be thinking about the fact that she is a World Champion. For me, she is like any other opponent. I will go out there and try to perform even better than I did today," said Mary Kom, who is already assured of a bronze medal having made it the last four. India coach Anoop Kumar backed his ward strongly. "No matter who is the next opponent, my boxer is a five time world champion. I'm confident that she will win the next bout and the gold medal," he said.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels