New Delhi, Nov 24: M C Mary Kom won a historic sixth gold in the World Championships here today, the mother-of-three doing, without breaking a sweat, what no other woman boxer has done or known before.
Moments after Mary Kom became the most successful boxer in the history of women’s World Championships by beating Ukraine’s Hanna Okhota in an unanimous 5-0 verdict in the 48kg category summit bout, young Sonia Chahal settled for a silver medal after losing her final.
India finished third in the overall standings behind China and Taipei.
Overwhelmed, Mary Kom broke down after coming out of the ring as she went around to greet the packed crowd and the assembled officials. Wrapped in the tri-colour, she thanked her fans for their “unstinted” support.
“I am a little bit emotional today. There is no (48kg) weight category in the Olympic Games. Because of your love and support, I feel I will be able to qualify for 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Four years ago, I was not able to qualify for Rio. I am still suffering from that,” she said.
India ended the championships with 1 gold, 1 silver and 2 bronze — from Lovlina Borgohain (69kg) and Simranjit Kaur (64kg).
India’s best performance ever was the eight medals, including four gold, it won in 2006 in New Delhi.
“Thank you for your love and support. I don’t have anything to give except for a gold in the country. I know it will be a bit difficult for me to win a gold in Tokyo as I will have to fight in 51kg.
“Because of their reach, the taller boxers (who will be in 51kg) will have advantage. But I am still dreaming about winning the gold in 2020 Olympics.”
She thanked the coaches who taught her throughout and the current Indian support staff.
“I dedicate this gold to the nation and my countrymen.” (PTI)
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