Mary drops Asiad hint after semis victory
gold coast — Mary Kom might give the Asian Games in Indonesia a miss to ensure her body is in best shape for the World Championships later this year.
The 35-year-old, who entered the finals of the Commonwealth Games on Wednesday, is keen to ensure that her career continues for another two years before she considers calling time on a stellar stint inside the ring.
“I am thinking of skipping Asian Games, if I am asked I will go but I will take a decision on that later. I have to ensure that I am in top shape for the World Championships so may be I will skip Asian Games and take a small break,” Mary Kom (48kg) said after her semifinal win over Sri Lanka’s Anusha Dilrukshi Koddithuwakku.
While Mary stormed into the finals and remained on course to deliver India’s maiden Commonwealth Games gold in women’s boxing, while Vikas Krishan (75kg) entered the men’s semifinals on Wednesday.
Five-time world champion and Olympic bronze-medallist Kom defeated a defensive Koddithuwakku 5-0 to make the summit clash in her debut appearance at the Games.
Among the men, debutant Gaurav Solanki (52kg) and world bronze-medallist Vikas made the semifinals to be assured of medals. “It was difficult in the sense that this girl would just not come to me. I had to be careful because she was perhaps waiting for me to let my guard down,” Mary Kom said after the bout.
It was a battle of veterans between the 35-year-old Indian and the 39-year-old Koddithuwakku.
Mary Kom prevailed in a rather dull contest where clean punches were few and far between. — PTI