Mary Kom, Six Other Indians Clinch Gold Medal In 23rd President's Cup
The Indian boxers finished their campaign with nine medals, including seven gold and two silver, which helped the contingent win the 'Best Team' award.
Highlights
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MC Mary Kom defeated Australia's April Franks 5-0 to clinch gold medal
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Indian boxers finished their campaign with 9 medals, including 7 gold
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The Indian contingent also won the 'Best Team' award
MC Mary Kom, the six-time world champion, defeated Australia's April Franks 5-0 in the 23rd President's Cup to clinch the gold medal in a one-sided 51kg category final in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia on Sunday. The Indian boxers finished their campaign with nine medals, including seven gold and two silver, helping the contingent win the 'Best Team' award. The women boxers had a flawless record in the finals, winning all the four gold medals on offer, the men had mixed fortunes and had to settle for two silver along with three gold.
Mary Kom took to Twitter to express her joy and share the video of the medal presentation ceremony. "Gold medal for me and for my country at #PresidentCup Indonesia. Winning means you're willing to go longer,work harder & give more effort than anyone else. I sincerely thanks to all my Coaches and support staffs of @BFI_official @KirenRijiju @Media_SAI," Mary Kom wrote while sharing the video.
Gold medal for me and for my country at #PresidentCup Indonesia. Winning means you're willing to go longer,work harder & give more effort than anyone else. I sincerely thanks to all my Coaches and support staffs of @BFI_official @KirenRijiju @Media_SAI pic.twitter.com/R9qxWVgw81
— Mary Kom (@MangteC) July 28, 2019
Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju instantly replied to Mary Kom's tweet and posted a heartfelt congratulatory message for the Olympic bronze medallist.
"Dear, @MangteC you are always a huge pride for India! Hearty congratulations to you on winning the Gold Medal for India at #PresidentCup Indonesia!," he tweeted.
Dear, @MangteC you are always a huge pride for India!
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) July 28, 2019
Hearty congratulations to you on winning the Gold Medal for India at #PresidentCup Indonesia! https://t.co/8jYp0Gz3T6
The 36-year-old Indian had also won a gold medal at the India Open boxing tournament in May, but skipped the Asian Championships, held in Thailand in May, as part of a larger plan to enhance her chances of Olympic qualification.Â
Mary Kom, who claimed her sixth world title in Delhi last year, will be looking to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in the World Championships in Yekaterinburg, Russia which will be held from September 7 to 21.
India's gold rush continued with Simranjit Kaur being equally impressive in her final against Indonesia's Asian Games bronze medallist Hasanah Huswatun. The Asian Boxing Championships silver medallist dominated her opponent 5-0.
In 54kg, Assam's young and bright talent Jamuna Boro did not put a foot wrong in a 5-0 demolition of Italy's veteran boxer Giulia Lamagna to add to the gold she won at the India Open in May.
In 48kg, youngster Monika ended the challenge of Endang of Indonesia by a similar scoreline to round off what was a memorable campaign for Indian women pugilists.
In the men's event, Neeraj Swami registered a 4-1 win over Macado Jr. Ramel of Phillipines to clinch the gold medal in the men's 49kg category.
Ananta Prahlad Chopade also put up a strong performance and defeated Afghanistan's Rahmani Ramish 5-0 in the final of men's 52kg category to finish on the top of podium.
Ankush Dahiya too absolutely outpunched his opponent, Macau's Leung Kin Fong 5-0 to lay his hands on the glittering gold in 64kg category.
(With PTI inputs)