Marymaking

Vinayak Padmadeo

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, November 24

Mary Kom appeared in a strikingly aggressive mood today. In the bouts leading up to the final of the 48kg category in the women's World Boxing Championships, her strategy had been to wait and watch, to see what the plans of her opponents were, and hit them on the counter as and when opportunity presented itself.

On Saturday, though, she dumped her tried and tested approach in favour of a much more aggressive method. The ploy worked well as she picked up a few quick points but, on the flip side, she was caught a couple of times on the counter by Ukraine's Hanna Okhota.

Sensing the danger, Mary's coaching staff told her to take a step back and look for the counter. Mary took the suggestion; as a result, the Ukrainian couldn't trouble the Indian veteran in the next two rounds at all. In a last-ditch attempt, Hanna was seen inviting an attack from the Indian great. Mary, however, didn't take the bait and, instead, concentrated on scoring on the counter.

The result was a unanimous 5-0 win for the 35-year-old, reiterating her status as one of the all-time greats in boxing. She surpassed Ireland's Katie Taylor, with whom she was tied at five gold medals, by winning the historic sixth gold at the World Championships. 

After the medal ceremony, during which she was teary-eyed, Mary parried away the comparison with the Irish boxer, who has turned professional. "She (Katie) did not win them in a row. I have not taken part in this competition for a long time, too. Main sabme aata toh pata nahi kitni baar champion ban jaata! (If I had not missed a few editions of the Championships, I don't know how many times I would have won)," she said.

Disappointing result

Known for her straightforward comments, Mary said she was disappointed that, as hosts, the Indians could win only one gold. Besides her gold, Sonia Chahal bagged a silver, while Lovlina Borgohain and Simranjit Kaur won bronze after losing their semifinal bouts.

"You learn from losing. I have lost in many competitions, even in small competitions. But for the home nation to win one gold and three other medals is disappointing. But we will bounce back from this," she said.

Silver lining for Sonia

Sonia Chahal's quest for a maiden gold medal in the 57kg category at the Worlds ended in a defeat. Sonia lost to Germany's Ornella Wahner 4-1. The Kaithal girl seemed rattled from the start against the experienced German. Sonia failed to put any sort of pressure on the German and was repeatedly caught on the counter.

Even though the result was a split decision in favour of the German, Sonia was never in contention. "The German girl was too strong for Sonia today. Nothing worked for us," Indian coach Ali Qamar said after the loss. 

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Champion Speaks... 

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

Thank you for your love and support. I don't have anything to give except for a gold to 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.

Praise pours in...

You are an Inspiration... Magnificent Mary clinches gold for the 6th time. More Power To You. Vijender Singh 

Heartiest congratulations to MaryKom for creating history, by clinching record 6th World Boxing Championship gold. Sushil Kumar

A stellar achievement for Mary Kom ,  becoming the first woman boxer to win six World Championships gold. One of India's greatest ever sportsperson. Super happy and super proud ! Virender Sehwag

Mary's golden run 

2018 

2010

2008 

2006 

2005

2002

2018 Worlds: INDIAN MEDALLISTs

Mary Kom: Gold
Sonia Chahal: SILVER 
Lovlina Borgohain Bronze 
Simranjit Kaur Bronze