Five-time world champion MC Mary Kom has decided to opt out of the Indian boxing squad for the 2018 Asian Games, the news was announced on Friday.
Fellow Manipur boxer Sarjubala Devi will represent India in the women’s 51 kilogram category at the Asian Games.
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Boxing Federation of India (BFI) said in a statement that Sarjubala Devi defeated Pinki Rani in the selection trial to take the final spot in the squad. Sarjubala Devi dominated in the trial match and won with ease to add her name to the Asian Games roster.
Mary is concentrating on winning gold in the 48kg division at the World Championships to be held in November. She opted out herself because there is no 48 kilogram category at the Asian Games.
Also, the Manipur boxing champion said that she wanted to make way for the upcoming young boxers in the country.
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The Asian Games has only three weight categories in women’s boxing (51kg, 57kg and 60kg) where respective players will represent India. Apart from Sarjubala, 2016 World Championship silver medalist Sonia Lather (57kg) and Pavitra (60kg) will represent India in the women’s events.
The 2018 Asian Games will be held in Indonesia from August 18 to September 1, with the boxing events starting on August 24.