M C Mary Kom fails to make Commonwealth Games cut

New Delhi: In a surprise development, five-time world champion M.C. Mary Kom missed out on a berth in the India boxing squad for the Commonwealth Games after being unable to make the grade at the selection trials that concluded in Patiala on Friday. The Olympic medalist had a bout with Pinki Jangra in the final of the three-day tirals to decide the candidate for the women’s 51kg category. According to sources, the boxers were evenly matched for the most part, but the Haryana girl got the selectors’ nod due to her aggression and footwork.

“It was a close bout and I wish Pinki all the best. I hope she brings India a medal,” Mary Kom said later. Jangra was on top of the world. “This is the biggest breakthrough of my career. I respect Mary didi a lot, she has been an inspiration for us. I am very excited to get this opportunity and would look to make the most of it,” she said, adding, “I think I beat Mary didi because I have been an active camper and she was coming back after a break.”