Ulan Ude (Russia): Young Indian boxers will look to draw inspiration from the legendary MC Mary Kom and shine at the World Women’s Boxing Championship which gets under way here Thursday.
Six-time champion Mary Kom is a contender yet again and she will be desperate to bag a world title in the 51 kg category, a minor feat missing from her illustrious cupboard. Mary Kom has an Olympic bronze medal and an Asian Games gold in the category.
Besides Mary Kom, L Sarita Devi (60 kg) is another one to watch out for.
India Open gold medallists Neeraj (57 kg) and Jamuna Boro (54 kg) are among the five boxers who will be making their debuts at the marquee event where India’s best show was back in 2006 when the country, hosting the event, topped the medals tally with a haul of eight.
Former Asian champion Saweety Boora will take part in the 75 kg category.
In the 48 kg category, Manju Rani will be fighting it out.
The squad: Manju Rani (48 kg), MC Mary Kom (51 kg), Jamuna Boro (54 kg), Neeraj (57 kg), Sarita Devi (60 kg), Manju Bomboriya (64 kg), Lovlina Borgohain (69 kg), Saweety Boora (75 kg), Nandini (81 kg), Kavita Chahal (+81 kg).