Ready to face trials if I fail to win medal at World Championships: Mary Kom

On Thursday, six-time World Champion boxer MC Mary Kom stated that if she fails to win a medal at the upcoming World Championships, she is ready to face Nikhat Zareen in the trials in December.

According to a report in the Times of India, the 36-year-old pugilist, who is eyeing a historic seventh World Championship gold in Russia next month, said: 

I am ready to face (Nikhat Zareen in) the trial. The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) has already made it clear. I never shied away from trials.

A couple of months back, Asian Championships bronze medallist Nikhat Zareen was stopped from participating in the selection trials for the World Championships. Nikhat was to take the ring against Mizoram's Vanduati-Lal in her opening first bout of the trials. The winner was scheduled to fight against Mary in the final. 

Also read: Why different selection rules for different sportspersons in India?

However, Nikhat’s name was struck off from the list at the last moment without offering her any explanation. This enabled Mary’s automatic selection. A "helpless" and "frustrated" Nikhat had responded by firing two letters to BFI alleging "unfair practices" to benefit a "particular boxer".

Mary has a new trick up her sleeve for Worlds

Meanwhile, Mary Kom also revealed in the interview with TOI that she has a new trick up her sleeve to help her at the Championships. She said that she will be using "feint" techniques in a bid to deceive opponents.

“I will pretend that I am punching her, but I won't. It's like I am going for a body hit, but then end up landing a jab. It's all about deception and perfecting your timing (to land the punch),” she was quoted saying.

Mary further added that she has mastered the ‘feint’ move and is confident that it will leave her ‘clever’ opponents confused.

The recently concluded men’s World Championships saw the Indian contingent returning with one silver and one bronze medal. A 10-member strong contingent will represent India at the women’s World Championships which kicks off in Ulan Ude, Russia from October 3-13. How many medals can Mary and Co. bring home?