However, they may not be able to compete under the national flag
Five-time World Champion Mary Kom put up a dominating show to qualify for the Asian Games. Photo: PTI/ File
New Delhi: Veteran pugilist Akhil Kumar and five-time world champion M.C. Mary Kom returned to India’s boxing squad for the Incheon Asian Games on Wednesday.
Akhil, whose career went off the rails after a string of injuries four years ago, has moved up a division to the lightweight (60kg) category from his previous bantamweight (56kg) category. Akhil defeated Vikas Malik and Rohit Tokas at the selection trials in Patiala.
“It is great to be back in the India squad. All my hard work over the last few years has paid off,” he told this paper on Wednesday.
“It was important to fight hard and prove it to myself and nobody else that what I had been trying for, and all my efforts were in the right direction,” he said. The 33-year-old asserted that his experience will give him the edge against younger and fitter opponents at the Asiad.
“No one will be as experienced as me at the Asian Games. A man’s youth depends on his actions, thinking and abilities, not his age,” he explained. “I had to struggle a lot with injuries. I am not fully fit. I am just going to focus on maintaining my fitness and giving my 100 per cent,” he added.
L. Devendro Singh (49kg), Mandeep Jangra (69kg) and Vikas Krishan (75kg) also made it to the squad.
Mary Kom also had a point to prove after being beaten by Pinki Jangra in the trials for the Commonwealth Games.
On Wednesday, she put that disappointment behind her as she dominated Pinki and Sonia in one-sided bouts.
“My hard work paid off today. I promise that I would make the most of this opportunity and bring the medal for my country,” Mary, who will compete in the 51kg division, said.
“Win was the only thing on my mind before travelling to Patiala and I kept adjusting my techniques according to my opponents,” she added.
L. Sarita Devi took the 60kg spot.
Meanwhile, with the mess in country’s boxing administration lingering on, the Sports Authority of India said that the pugilists may not be able to compete under the national flag if elections are not held as per schedule next month. Boxing India has announced September 11 as the new date.
Squads:
Men: L. Devendro Singh (49kg), Madan Lal (52kg), Shiva Thapa (56kg), Akhil Kumar (60kg), Manoj Kumar (64kg), Mandeep Jangra (69kg), Vikas Krishan (75kg), Kuldeep Singh (81kg), Amritpreet Singh (91kg), Satish Kumar (+91kg).
Women: M.C. Mary Kom (51kg), L Sarita Devi (60kg), Pooja Rani (75kg)
( Source : dc correspondent )
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