Mary Kom bags gold at Asian Championships, her first in 48 kg category

This is Mary Kom's first international gold medal since the 2014 Asian Games

By: Karan Nanda |
November 8, 2017 5:26 pm

MC Mary Kom (48kg) notched up her fifth gold medal at the Asian Women’s Boxing Championships, winning a fiercely-contested summit clash in Vietnam on November 8. The five-time world champion and Olympic bronze medallist MC Mary Kom defeated North Korea’s Kim Hyang Mi in a unanimous 5-0 verdict.

Interestingly, this is Mary Kom’s first international gold medal since the 2014 Asian Games and her first medal in over a year. Also, this is her her first Asian gold medal in the 48kg category.

Earlier on November 7, MC Mary Kom made it to the finals after defeating Japan’s Tsubasa Komura in a unanimous 5-0 verdict while Kim Hyang Mi entered the finals after thrashing Mongolian Jargalan Ochirbat in the semis.

Mary said after her victory:

“I am really happy the way this championship has panned out. I would like to dedicate this victory to all those who have supported me even though the world had written me off. I would like to thank my coaching staff who worked hard with me over the last few months.”

She added:

“A special word for the professional setup that BFI has put in place, ensuring that best facilities were given during the month-long camp and all the exposure trips for the team. Also, I am thankful to BFI President Mr. Ajay Singh especially for showing faith in me.”

Prior to this year, Mary Kom grabbed gold in 2003, 2005, 2010 and 2012 editions of the tournament. In 2008, unfortunately, she settled with the silver medal.