Mary drops back to 48kg, eyes Asiad, CWG

Guwahati, December 9

Celebrated Indian boxer MC Mary Kom has decided to go back to the light-flyweight (48kg) category amid speculation that it is among the two categories that could be included in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

“I have decided to move back to light-flyweight because that is my original weight category,” Mary Kom, the 2012 Olympics bronze-medallist, said. “I feel the most comfortable competing in it and I don’t have to punish my body to maintain this weight.” Women’s boxing was introduced in the London Olympics in 2012, with only three weight categories — flyweight (51kg), lightweight (60kg) and middleweight (75kg). Mary Kom fought in the 51kg category in London. She also won a gold medal in this category at the 2014 Asian Games, where women’s boxing made its debut.

International Boxing Association (AIBA) president Ching Kuo Wu has stated that he considers it his responsibility to ensure that there are five women’s boxing categories by the 2020 Olympics. It is believed that the 48kg category could be added to the women’s boxing roster at Tokyo 2020.

Devendro, Manoj advance at boxing nationals

Devendro Singh and Manoj Kumar notched up contrasting wins in their new weight categories in the National Championship. Manipur’s Devendro overcame some anxious moments to beat lesser known Bhoj Raj of Uttar Pradesh 3-2 in the flyweight category (52kg). Until now, Devendro had been fighting in the light flyweight category (49kg). 

“The light flyweight was not difficult to maintain. I could bring my weight down when I wanted to but it was leading to injuries, besides affecting my hand-eye coordination,” said Devendro. —  PTI