Mary Kom wins gold at India Open boxing

In Boxing, five-time world champion M C Mary Kom claimed a gold but the Indian men’s juggernaut was denied a complete sweep by traditional powerhouses Cuba and Uzbekistan on an exciting final day of the India Open Boxing Tournament, in New Delhi . Mary Kom won against Filipino Josie Gabuco 4-1 en route to her gold in the 48 kilogram class among women. In 64 kilogram category, Pwilao Basumatary was the first among the women to fetch a gold. The former world and Asian bronze medalist claimed a 3-2 win over Thailand’s Sudaporn Seesondee.

Lovlina Borgohain claimed the welterweight gold among women, getting the better of compatriot Pooja. L Sarita Devi settled for a silver medal after losing to Finland’s Olympic bronze-medallist Mira Potkenon in the 60 kilogram category.

In the men’s draw, Sanjeet picked up India’s first gold of the day in 91 kilogram class when he upstaged Uzbekistan’s Sanjar Tursunov. The Indian matched Tursunov punch for punch in an engrossing contest before getting a split 3-2 verdict in his favour.

In the 60 kilogram category, National Champion Manish Kaushik who stunned world and Asian medalist Shiva Thapa yesterday, didn’t have to step inside the ring to collect his gold. He was given a walkover by his Mongolian rival Battumur Misheelt, who pulled out owing to an injury during his semifinal bout.

Asian Games bronze-medalist Satish Kumar, however, settled for a silver he +91 kilogram category, outwitted by Uzbekistan’s Bakhodir Jalolov in a split 4-1 decision. Dinesh Dagar took the welterweight silver after going down to Uzbekistan’s Bobo-Usmon Baturov.