Mary Kom, Lovlina Borgohain included in Indian Boxing World Championship squad

The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) has put together a squad for the upcoming women's Boxing World Championship and there have been some obvious names that have made the cut. Six-time world champion M C Mary Kom and Lovlina Borgohain have been included in the Indian squad for the international competition based on their recent performances.

However, that decision has been heavily criticised by former junior world champion - Nikhat Zareen. The world championships are scheduled to be held in Russia from October 3 onwards. Kom, who has already claimed two gold medals this year, has has been chosen to compete in the 51kg category.

Zareen, who also competes in the same category, has penned a letter to the Boxing Federation of India regarding their decision to include the Indian veteran. “To my utter surprise and disappointment, I was informed just before the bouts were supposed to start by the Chairman Selection Committee, Mr Rajesh Bhandari that my bout will not happen today & there are some internal discussions happening to ensure I’m protected for future & avoid getting exposed at a young age.

“I’m really surprised by this action as I have already participated in World Championships in 2016 and if I was fine then, so in 2019, I surely cannot be young and this cannot be the reason,” Zareen wrote in her letter. 

Chairman of selectors, Rajesh Bhandari, asserted that the decision to select Mary Kom had been taken days earlier in consultation with the BFI senior officials.