Mary Kom, along with other Tokyo-bound pugilists to take part in the 2021 Asian Boxing Championships

The Indian boxers competed at the 2021 Boxam International tournament in March, which was their first competitive assignment since the pandemic struck. The contingent claimed 10 medals at the tourney that included a Gold medal win from Manish Kaushik in the men’s 63 kg category.

In spite of the positive results, six-time world champion Mary Kom, one of the favourites, settled for a Bronze medal in the women’s 51kg category losing the semi-final by 1:4 split verdict. But, she is all set to make amends in the upcoming Asian Boxing Championships which will be held at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex, in New Delhi.

The BFI (Boxing Federation of India) conducted trials in the non-Olympic categories for the Asian meet, while the Tokyo-bound athletes including Mary Kom were exempted from the same. Kom (51 kg), along with Simranjit Kaur (60 kg), Lovlina Borgohain (69 kg) and Pooja Rani (75 kg) have already qualified for the 2021 Tokyo Games that begin on July 23rd, later this year.

Among other pugilists, Monica was shortlisted for the 48kg category, while Sakshi will be seen in action in the 54kg category. Jasmine (57 kg), Pwilao Basumatary (64kg), Sweety Bora (81 kg), and Anupama (plus 81kg) complete the Indian contingent for the Boxing meet.