Marykom wins third straight World Cup

New Delhi:

The women's world boxing championships in Delhi was unique because it's the first time that a world event for any women's sport had come to India. And the hosts certainly rose to the occasion, winning eight medals en route to winning the team title that included four gold medals including one for MC Marykom who has now won the 46 kg title for three years in a row. A bonanza of Rs 3 lakh awaits the gold-winners, while the silver and bronze medallists will take home Rs 2 lakh and Rs 1 lakh respectively. "I've planned something special for my husband, who's helped me so much all these years. Won't tell you what it is, though," said Marykom. "I'll give the money to my parents," said Jenny R L - World Champion, 63 kg category. Financial assistance Husbands and parents deserve the credit but so does the boxing federation, which not only organised the Rs 1.5 crore for hosting the championship in India, but also provided financial assistance in the form of infrastructure and sponsorship for exposure abroad. "The government helped us as well, but it is a result of their trips to Denmark etc that they got the experience and confidence; and that's what brought these rewards," said Abhay Singh Chauthala - President, IABF. "I congratulate them, but now they must not become complacent and stop here. The Commonwealth games and Olympics await!" he added. Exemplary resilience K C Lekha best sums up the attitude and resilience of these boxers. She recovered from a horrific accident and multiple fractures in her left-hand to literally beat her opposition to pulp at the biggest stage of them all. "It was a difficult path, but I knew I just had to do it, and it took a lot of effort and sacrifice," said Lekha K C - World Champion, 75 kg category. Words cannot do justice to the achievement of these boxers. What makes their feat all the more remarkable is the fact that they won just one gold in each of the last world championships. Perhaps now, it would be fair to say that these athletes are the best in the business.