Mary Kom ready for Asian Games challenge

The five-time World champion MC Mary Kom will lead India's challenge in the women's boxing event at the Asian Games in Guangzhou, China, in November.

Mary, who competed in the 48kg division in the last week's historic title triumph in Bridgetown, Barbados, has been selected in the 51kg flyweight division.

Her inclusion means her Manipur state-mate Sarita misses out, as only one boxer can be selected in the same category.

Mary defeated Steluta Duta of Romania 16-6 in the final to win the gold in the 48 kg category at the World championships.

Changing the weight category was a challenge for Mary, who recently switched from 46kg to 48kg. However, the most successful women's boxer says she is experienced enough to face up to the challenge.

"I think I'm experienced enough to climb up the ladder. It will be a challenge but I will be up to the task.

The team was picked after a second round of trials as the initial one in Bhopal was deemed inconclusive by the Indian boxing federation.

"After the World Championships gold, my entire focus was on qualifying for the Asian Games. I'm really happy to make it to the squad. I always feel proud to wear national colours and it will be an honour to represent India again," said the 27-year-old Manipuri.

"But I also feel sorry for Sarita, as only one can be selected for the tournament. She is also a good boxer but only one of us could go to China," Mary said.

This is also the first time that women's boxing is selected as a discipline for the Asian Games and Olympics.

However, unlike the men's competition, which has 10 weight categories, women's contests will be restricted to the 51kg, 60kg, 75kg.

The other two boxers picked for the November 12-27 Games are Preeti Beniwal (60kg) and Kavita Goyat (75kg).