The Hindu : Sport / Boxing : Top stars for National meet

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Dec 05, 2010
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

Sport

Sport - Boxing

Top stars for National meet

M.R. Praveen Chandran

THRISSUR: The cream of country's leading women pugilists will be seen in action when the 11th Senior women's boxing championship gets underway at the Lulu International Convention center here on Sunday.

The sports' stock has risen after the show of the women boxers in the World Championships and a medal in the London Olympics is a realistic dream.

Since the national meet serves as the selection trials for the London Olympics, the core group of boxers who have been undergoing training in the national camp are here to participate in the meet.

Mary Kom doubtful

But five time world champion and Asian Games bronze medallist Mary Kom is conspicuous by her absence. Her participation in the meet remains uncertain, as the organisers are yet to get a confirmation from the boxer.

But they are not entirely ruling out her participation either as the deadline for reporting is 8 a.m. on Sunday.

However, Asian Games bronze medallist Kavitha Goyat is participating and she starts as the favourite for gold in 75kg weight category.

Though she is yet to overcome the disappointment of not taking part in the Asian Games, L. Sarita Devi is rejuvenated and raring to go in the 51kg weight category. The Arjuna awardee obviously has a point to prove to her detractors.

Winning the gold and a place in the team is a top priority for the Manipur boxer.The Railway Sports Control Board, which won the overall title last year, will find it difficult to retain the title as the side is weakened by the absence of a few experienced boxers.

Haryana and All-India Police are in full strength and should dominate the ring.

More than 200 boxers and 150 technical officials will be seen in action during the six-day meet.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Sport