India’s ‘Magnificent Mary’ in Olympics
May 18, 2012 | Pratirodh BureauIndian boxer MC Mary Kom on Friday booked her berth for the 2012 London Olympics. She will now be fighting for her dream of a gold medal in the biggest sporting event of the world.
The five-time world champion Mary Kom had to rely on fate after her quarterfinal loss to England\\\’s Adams, but Adams\\\’ victory over Russia\\\’s world champion Yelena Savelyeva in the semis on Friday ensured Mary Kom’s progression to the prestigious event.
Adding another feather to her cap, Mary has now become the first Indian boxer to qualify for the mega-event.
Women\\\’s boxing will make its Olympic debut in three weight categories in London – 51kg, 60kg and 75kg.
Asia has two slots in the 51kg division and Mary Kom has filled the second one after Asian Games gold-medalist Ren Cancan of China.
"Olympic slot confirmed finally! I am so happy," Mary, a mother-of-two, said.
"I saw the bout. I know the Russian was not very good but I am a bit sad as well because I won\\\’t have a medal around my neck this time," added the reigning Asian champion.
Confident and delighted Mary further said that she was sure that God would not let her hard work go waste just because of one loss.