Following her return to 51kg, six-time World champion and London Olympics bronze medallist M.C. Mary Kom will compete in her first event in the Olympic weight class when she takes the ring in the $70,000 India Open boxing tournament to be held at Guwahati from May 20 to 24.
Preparatory event
Keeping the World championships and the Olympics in mind, Mary, who clinched her sixth World title in 48kg in Delhi last year, will use the India Open as a preparatory event.
“I have been preparing for 51kg category. I am ready to give my best and test myself ahead of the World championships,” said Mary.
“I am glad the event will be hosted in Assam this time.
Powerhouse
With the North-East being a powerhouse of talent, I hope this will give an opportunity to youngsters to watch us and get inspired.”
The Boxing Federation of India (BFI), which started this event last year to give international exposure to maximum Indian pugilists, has named 35 men and 37 women for the second edition.
Prominent names
Some of the prominent names in the Indian squad include Amit Panghal, Gaurav Solanki, Kavinder Singh Bisht, Gaurav Bidhuri and Shiva Thapa among men and Nitu, Nikhat Zareen, Sonia Chahal, Sonia Lather, Sarita Devi, Simranjit Kaur, Lovlina Borgohain and Pooja Rani among women.
Around 200 boxers from 16 countries will participate in the event.
The gold medallists will be richer by $ 2,500 each, while the silver medallists will be awarded $1,000.