sarita-mary-kom
File photo of L Sarita Devi and Mary Kom

Ace Manipuri boxer MC Mary Kom advanced to the final of the 48kg division in the 2018 Commonwealth Games at Gold Coast as she defeated Sri Lanka’s Anusha Dilrukshi Koddithuwak with a unanimous 5-0 decision.

The 35-year-old Indian took on the 39-year-old Sri Lankan.

For the judges, however, there wasn’t much dilemma as far as the result is concerned, as Mary prevailed 5-0 into the final.

Despite the height advantage Koddithuwak struggled to connect for most part of the bout, while Mary looked far more energetic and determined to win.

Both boxers were equally matched till the second round, after which Mary upped the ante and picked up the points with a steady barrage of punches.

Another Manipuri boxer Laishram Sarita Devi fell short in the women’s 60kg category, going down to Australia’s Anja Stridsman in the quarter-finals. Although Sarita tried her best her opponent had superior technique.

Sarita dominated the opening round, attacking right from the start when the Australian had a more defensive approach. Making the most of the opportunities later in the bout, Anja used her superior height and strong left jabs to thwart the Indian’s attack and in the end, she got the decision in her favour.