Celebrated boxer Mary Kom, aiming a sixth gold medal at the AIBA Women's World Boxing Championships, was the flag bearer as she led the Indian contingent at the opening ceremony at the IG Stadium, New Delhi on Thursday. India named a 10-member squad, for the Women's World Boxing Championship in Delhi. The poster girl of Indian women's boxing MC Mary Kom is eyeing her 6th World title in the 10th Edition of the AIBA Women's World Boxing championship. India is hosting the tournament for the second time after 2006, when the country topped the table with eight medals (4 gold, 1 silver, 3 bronze).
The named 10 member squad is a good mix of experienced and young boxers. Here's a quick look at all 10 Indian boxers who will be in action at the World Championships this time:
MC Mary Kom (48kg):
A five-time world champion and the only Indian female boxer to win an Olympic medal, MC Mary Kom will be aiming for a sixth title at the World Championships. She had clinched a gold medal when India last hosted the World Championship in 2006. The 35 year old Mary will be in action in her preferred 48kg category at the mega event.
Pinki Rani Jangra (51kg):
The Hisar-born boxer Pinki will represent the country in the 51 kg category at the World Championships. 28 year old Pinki, who draws inspiration from Mary Kom, won abronze medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Manisha Moun (54kg):
Introduced to boxing in 2012, Manisha chased her dreams despite her father not knowing about her passion for boxing initially. An ardent fan of Ukrain's Vasyl Lomachenko, Manisha will represent India in the bantamweight category at the World Championship.
Sonia (57kg):
A product of the Bhiwani Boxing Academy, Sonia won a silver medal at the National School Games and bronze in the sub-junior National Championships in 2012. Sonia will be representing India in the 57 kg category.
Laishram Sarita Devi (60kg):
Another Indian boxing legend, Sarita Devi will also be a big gold medal contender. She had won the gold medal when India last hosted the World Championship in 2006. The 36 year old boxing star will represent India in the 60 kg category.
Simranjit Kaur (64g):
Born in the Chakar village in Ludhiana, Simranjit Kaur won a bronze medal at the 2013 Youth World Championships in the 60kg category. Simranjit will represent India in the 64kg category.
Lovlina Borgohain (69kg):
Lovlina started her career as a kickboxer, but later switched to boxing. She won the gold medal at the India Open, a bronze at the Asian Championships in Vietnam and bronze at the President's Cup in Astana. will represent India in the 69kg category at the World Championships.
Saweety Boora (75kg):
Saweety was state level Kabaddi player and switched to boxing after her father adviced her to do so. The daughter of a farmer, 25 year old Saweety participated in her first Nationals, the 4th Junior Women National Boxing Championship in 2009 and clinched the gold medal. She also won a silver medal at the 2014 World Championships. The Hisarborn girl will represent India in the 75kg category.
Bhagyabati Kachari (81kg):
Bhagyabati, who won a bronze medal at the Asian Women's Boxing Championships in 2012 competes in the heavyweight category. She received specialised power training for the World Championships.
Seema Poonia (+81kg):
Renowned international boxer in the heavyweight category, Seem Poonia, will be one of the medal prospects in the World Championships. She won bronze medal at the Asian Boxing Championship in Vietnam in 2017.