JOIN USMary keen to bag Asiad medal
The attire made her stand out from the crowd but such are her feats that even in a casual tracksuit, she would have drawn the same attention any day.
“I don’t wear a sari normally and had a tough time but my friends helped me to do it properly,” said Mary Kom, as she handled the media’s questions with aplomb.
The five-time world champion is one of India’s medal prospects at the 16th Asian Games and she said while there was a tinge of apprehension about the unknown, she was confident of doing well here.
“I approach every competition expecting to win medals but I’ll be competing for the first time in the 51kg category and I expect a tough challenge,” said the mother of twins who has been the flag-bearer of women’s boxing in India.
Women’s boxing is making its Asian Games debut here and with the sport also being part of the London 2012 Olympic Games, there is pressure on Mary Kom to deliver a solid performance here.
“I am happy that women’s boxing is part of the programme here. I was part of the team at the Asian Indoor Games and enjoyed the feeling of being part of the country’s contingent. It is the same feeling here as well,” said the 27-year-old, who had to win a trial bout against Sarita Devi to qualify for Guangzhou, after changing her weight category.
“I have represented India at all levels; so the confidence is there but every bout will be tough here and I will have to rely on my experience a lot,” she said. “Boxers from China, Philippines and Thailand will offer us the toughest challenge. The Chinese have speed and quick reflexes and they can hit you with power. They are good in attacks and counter-attacks,” she said.
China’s Ren Cancan is the world champion in the 51kg class and Mary Kom certainly needs to be on her toes if she wants to add an Asian Games gold to her glittering trophy cabinet.
Suranjoy confident
Meanwhile, India’s entry in the men’s 52kg category, Suranjoy Singh, felt the country could land up with at least five medals from the ring. “I know it will be a tough event but our team is good enough to win at least five medals,” said Suranjoy, who idolizes Mike Tyson, the former world champion.
“I like his movement and counter-punches,” said the reigning Asian champion, nicknamed Chhota Tyson, before making a quiet exit to prepare for the tough Asian Games test.