The Boxing federation of India has selected a ten-member contingent to lead the country’s medal hopes at the Women’s World Boxing Championships in the Russian City of Ulan Ude, which starts this Thursday onwards. With ten boxers, one in each weight category, India will start their campaign led by the veteran boxer Mary Kom (51kg), alongside the experienced Sarita Devi (60 kg).
The six-time World champion Mary Kom, who won all of her medals in the 48kg category, has jumped to the 51kg while chasing her Olympic dream. Lovlina Borgohain, the 69kg bronze medallist, is the only boxer to return to the championship in the same weight. Another promising boxer, the mighty Saweety Boora, has also reduced her weight to prepare for the Olympics, in the 75kg trials. There will also be spotlight on the non-Olympic categories like 48kg and 54kg, in which India has sent her two of the finest boxers Manju Rani and Jamuna Boro, respectively.
Team 🇮🇳 will begin their #aibaworldboxingchampionship campaign from October 4️⃣, 2019.
Keep supporting !🙌
All the best team👍🏻
📸: @bigboutleague #PunchMeinHaiDum #boxing pic.twitter.com/o5doyXyoPQ
— Boxing Federation (@BFI_official) October 2, 2019
On Wednesday Mary Kom was handed a bye into the pre-quarterfinals and will begin her campaign on October 8 against a yet to be decided opponent. Five other Indian players also got first-round byes into the different stages depending on the size of the draw. However, none of them will be in action on the opening day of the mega-event.
Last year, India as a host, had an impressive tally securing one gold, one silver and two bronze medals in Delhi.
Here is the full Indian squad: Manju Rani (48kg), M C Mary Kom (51kg), Jamuna Boro (54kg), Neeraj (57kg), Sarita Devi (60kg), Manju Bomboriya (64kg), Lovlina Borgohain (69kg), Saweety Boora (75kg), Nandini (81kg), Kavita Chahal (+81kg).
