Manisha, Sarita land first blows for India, enter last 16
WORLD BOXING Youngster demolishes formidable American opponent, veteran wins in split verdict
NEWDELHI: Manisha Maun stepped into the arena with confident strides. If there were any nerves on the big occasion, the 20-year-old didn’t betray it. Playing her first World Championships and opening India’s campaign at home against a formidable opponent, Manisha was far from awed. She was composed and focused, and fittingly gave India a rousing start by dominating Christina Cruz of US 5-0 in the 54kg bout at the IG Stadium here on Friday.
There were more cheers for India when L Sarita Devi defeated Switzerland’s Diana Sandra Brugger in a split verdict (4-0) in 60kg. It was an intense fight between two experienced campaigners. However, Sarita, who had received a first round bye, edged past her opponent and into the pre-quarterfinals where she will meet Ireland’s Kellie Harington, 64kg silver medallist in the last edition.
“She attacked me from the start, so I found it tough to control her. But I came up with combination punches and counterattacked to find my way back,” said the seasoned Indian, who won gold when the championships was held here last in 2006.
Manisha’s fight too was closer than what the scoreline suggests. She boxed intelligently to upset an attacking Christina, bronze medallist in the last edition.
With her mother and grandmother egging her on from the stands, Manisha began by cautiously, gauging her opponent. The 36-year-old Christina was quick to attack but Manisha did well to stay out of reach. The Indian often lowered her guard, invited her opponent to attack and then would either deftly defend or go for a swift counterattack. Having measured Christina, Manisha let loose in the third round, unleashing punches to loud cheers from the fans.
“My coaches told me to play her from a distance. Her right was very strong, so they told me to watch out. I tried to dodge her right punches and attacked from the left. That was the plan and I did just that,” said Manisha.
“I am very proud to win my first bout in the World Championships. I have proved I belong at this stage,” said Manisha, who won silver medal in Silesian Open in Poland recently.
She has one of the toughest draws among the 10 Indians in fray. She next faces world champion Dina Zholaman of Kazakhstan, who defeated Mizuki Hiruta of Japan 4-1. Manisha beat Zholaman in Silesian Open.
GIRL FROM HINTERLAND
Hailing from rural Haryana, Manisha had faced resistance from her family, especially her father, when she took up boxing. It took some time before they gave their consent. The daughter of a tractor mechanic from Matour village of Kaithal district in Haryana, Manisha started playing volleyball before switching to boxing. “She used to go with her brother to play volleyball, but her coach told her to try out boxing and she was good at it,” recalled her mother Usha Rani.
“She used to beat up boys when she was a kid. Yes, initially we had reservations but when she started winning medals, we allowed her to follow her dreams and never stopped her. Now, we are used to watching her bouts and her father also takes a keen interest. He will be here for the next fight,” her mother said.