Video Editor: Sandeep Suman
Video Journalist: Sumit Badola
Indian boxing legend Mary Kom did extend her record-breaking medal haul at the recently concluded World Boxing Championships in Ulan-Ude in Russia but had to be content with a bronze medal after a controversial semifinal loss.
“This time, I was very disappointed due to the decision in the semi-final. I tried my best to come back with a higher medal, but the situation was out of hand,” Kom said on the sidelines of a felicitation function organised by the sports ministry this week.
After Kom lost her 51 kg semifinal bout 1-4 to Busenaz Cakiroglu of Turkey, India lodged a protest, but it was turned down by the International Boxing Association's (AIBA) technical committee.
“I don’t know what happened there. I already tweeted it out. The whole world knows who the winner was. If I am still talking about it then it means that I am still unhappy with the result.”Mary Kom
The rules mandate that the decision be either 3-2 or 3-1 for an appeal to be even accepted for consideration. The six-time world champion questioned the rationale behind the rule.
Asked if there was any bias against her in the decision, she said, “There was something (fishy). A meeting was called in the morning on the day of the semi-finals. There was no such rule. But I don’t know why they called the sudden meeting.”
“After the meeting, they suddenly decided not to accept any (5-0 or 4-1) appeal. So, what can we do or what will we do there?”Mary Kom
But despite the loss, Kom welcomed her first world medal in the 51 kg weight class. She said she was in the best shape during the World Championships and her performance has renewed her confidence
“This is not a new category for me. I have been fighting in this (weight class) for the last few years. Not only in the World Championships, I am looking forward to doing better in this (weight category). My expectation is to become stronger.”Mary Kom
After the World Championships, Kom will be eyeing to book a spot for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in the upcoming qualifiers.
“I will try my best. Please no pressure. What I am doing is that in all the competition and tournament (I am participating in) I give my 120 percent. Coming back without a medal is very unlike me. So, coming back with a medal and if possible, a higher medal is what Mary (believes in). This time (it was disappointing) but in the upcoming future I will give my best,” Kom concluded.
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)