South Asian Games: Mary, Sarita out-punch opponents to claim gold

MC Mary Kom and Pooja Rani knocked out their respective opponents while L Sarita Devi survived a scare before winning her bout, as India grabbed all the three gold medals on offer in women's boxing for an overall clean-sweep of top honours in the 12th South Asian Games, in Shillong, on Tuesday.

On a comeback trail after recovering from a shoulder injury, London Olympics bronze-medallist Mary Kom (51kg) packed a punch against seasoned Sri Lankan opponent Anusha Kodituwakku Dilrukshi and won via Technical Knockout (TKO), the bout lasting less than 90 seconds.

With Mary landing some powerful blows, Anusha lost her balance and injured her right knee. It forced her to take a medical break before attempting a comeback.

However, a booming jab from the five-time World champion sent her almost out of the ring before the referee intervened.

Anusha's injury will take about three months to heal.

"Anusha has sustained medical collateral ligament tear which would take about two three months to recover," the Sri Lankan team doctor told PTI.

The atmosphere was electrifying at the North Eastern Hill University, on the outskirts of the city with the SAI Complex, which has a seating capacity of only 500. It was packed to capacity as spectators queued up since morning.

The event started 40 minutes late due to some technical issues.

Anusha, the first woman boxer from her country to win a gold, at the 2003 Asian Championship, had thrown a challenge to Mary Kom before the bout but the Lankan was left crying on the podium.

Asked about her opponent's challenge, Mary Kom said: "I'm so happy when anyone challenges me; I don't comment before the bout, but deep inside I was very positive."

"After children, the comeback is not easy. I still do training to motivate myself. I'm thankful to my entire team," she added.

Incheon Asian Games bronze-medallist Pooja Rani Devi signed off India's campaign in style in the 75kg when she overwhelmed Nilanthi Andaraweer by a TKO in a bout lasting only one round.

The only scare India endured was when Sarita Devi, returning to the competitive ring after a one-year ban following the infamous Asian Games meltdown, faced a stiff challenge from another Lankan opponent in M Vidushika Prabadhi.

Sarita Devi overwhelmed the Lankan in the first two rounds but her opponent came back strongly in the third with some powerful blows that saw Sarita fall twice before the Indian won by a narrow 39-36 margin for a 3-0 verdict.

Indian pugilists won all the 10 gold medals on offer after the men's team clinched top honours on Monday.