GOLDEN ARM
BOXERS RULE Fivetime world champion shines in India’s bestever show; Gaurav, Vikas too return with top honours
Haryana’s Neeraj Chopra on his way to javelin gold, the first by an Indian, during the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games at the Carrara Stadium on Saturday. Manika Batra (table tennis) Mary Kom (boxing) and Vinesh Phogat (wrestling) were among top finishers as India extended its gold streak by eight.
GOLD COAST : They call her ‘Magnificent Mary’ and MC Mary Kom lived up to the moniker with a brilliant performance as she led the Indian boxing squad to its best-ever performance in the Commonwealth Games on Saturday.
Just when people were asking whether the 35-year-old mother of three and former world champion had the resolve and drive to win against competitors nearly a decade younger to her, Mary Kom proved she has the hunger and desire to win.
Agreed, the competition in the Commonwealth Games is not very tough and there were only eight competitors in the light flyweight (45-48kg) class, Mary Kom still came up with a superb performance.
BEST-EVER SHOW
With Mary Kom starting the gold rush, Gaurav Solanki and Vikas Krishan too won gold while Amit Panghal, Manish Kaushik and Satish Kumar claimed silver. India had won three bronze on Friday, thus the tally of three gold, three silver and three bronze made it India’s best performance in Commonwealth Games boxing.
Starting as the favourite because of her experience and superior technique, Mary Kom fought well against an opponent she had sparred with and also played practice matches.
She knew Kristina O’Hara’s game well and used the knowledge to win 5-0. “It was a good experience for me, but anything can happen in the ring. I had to be confident that I could do my best as my opponent was competitive. My country will be very proud and I have to thank God and my coaches,” said Mark Kom.
Solanki impressed by winning the men’s 52kg as he defeated Brendan Irvine 4-1 on points in a split decision. It was a close contest but Solanki managed to get a favourable verdict with some good combination of punches.
He was aggressive and went on the attack in the first two rounds during which he was injured when his opponent’s elbow opened a cut on the head. Nevertheless, Solanki kept up the pressure in the third round.
Vikas was triumphant against Cameroon’s Dieucdonne Wilfried Sevinisengue in the men’s 75kg class as he outwitted his opponent 5-0.
Three other Indian pugilists were in the final but lost to their opponents – Amit and Manish Kaushik going down on split decision in closely-fought matches.
Manish lost to local hope Harry Garside 3-2 as he could not make up for the height and reach disadvantage.
The performance gives hope to India as they have some tough competition ahead in the Asian Games and World Championships later this year.
Anything can happen in the ring. I had to be confident that I could do my best as my opponent was competitive. MARY KOM, On her victory