Nikhat Zareen to take on Mary Kom today
● Nikhat Zareen got the better of Jyoti Gulia in a lop-sided
51kg semifinal trial while Mary Kom outpunched Ritu Grewal to make the title clash.
New Delhi, Dec. 27: Sixtime world champion M. C. Mary Kom and Nikhat Zareen will clash in the 51kg category finals of the women’s boxing trials for next year’s Olympic Qualifiers after claiming unanimous victories in their respective first-round bouts here on Friday.
Former junior world champion Nikhat defeated reigning national champion Jyoti Gulia, while multiple-time Asian champion Mary Kom got the better of Ritu Grewal. The two-day competition will end on Saturday after the finals.
Nikhat had kicked up a storm a few weeks ago by demanding a trial against iconic six-time world champion Mary after the Boxing Federation of India's flip-flop on the selection policy for the Olympic Qualifiers.
Mary Kom had maintained that she would abide by the selection policy laid down by the BFI, which ultimately decided to have trials.
An irate Nikhat then demanded a “fair chance” against the celebrated Manipuri, who is also a Rajya Sabha member.
Zareen, Mary’s next opponent, said she just can’t wait to take the ring on Saturday.
“I am just waiting for tomorrow’s bout. I am eagerly looking forward to that bout. I will give my 100 per cent. There is no pressure on me right on because I wanted the fight to happen for a long time and I am excited,” Zareen said about the much-awaited contest.
“I just want to give my
● The winner of the
51kg final will represent India at the next year’s Olmypic Qualifiers to be held in China.
best. At last I got an opportunity to face her (Mary Kom)and I will make sure that it turns out to be a memorable bout.
“I was always looking forward to this bout. I am well prepared for tomorrow. I will make sure that it’s a clean bout tomorrow without any clinching and wrestling. I will play fairly and clean and beautiful boxing,” she added.
Zareen said Mary was the clear winner on Friday against Ritu in the intense first round of the 51kg qualifiers. “I watched Mary di’s bout, she had clear scoring. Her bout today was more involved in clinching and wrestling but scoring wise she had an upperhand,” she said.
In other trial bouts, Sakshi Chaudhary defeated Manisha Maun in the 57kg category, while Simranjit Kaur got the better Pavitra in the 60kg opener. Former world silver-medallist Sonia Lather will face Sakshi in the 57kg final after defeating Sonia Chahal.