Mary Kom Becomes Six-time Boxing World Champion, Sonia Chahal Settles for Silver

New Delhi [India], Nov 24 (ANI): Legendary boxer Mary Kom on Saturday scripted history by becoming India's only six-time world boxing champion after defeating Hanna Okhota of Ukraine.

As the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall was filled to the rafters for Mary, the 35-year-old outfoxed her Ukrainian counterpart in a unanimous 5:0 decision in the 48 kg (light flyweight) category.

Talking about her record, a joyous Mary told reporters, "I want to dedicate the medal to all the people behind my hard-work. I dedicate my Gold to my nation."

Mary has also registered her name in history books as she has now equalled male pugilist Felix Savon of Cuba, becoming an all-time best boxer with six gold and one silver medal in World Championships.

The former Asian Games gold medallist and Olympic bronze medallist had also won the gold at the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, earlier this year.

Indian President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Minister of Home Affairs Rajnath Singh, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, and Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee were among the few who congratulated the Manipur veteran boxer.

President Kovind tweeted: "Congratulations @MangteC, icon of Manipur and of India, for winning the Women's World Boxing Championship for the sixth time. May this moment inspire our girl-children to aspire, to attempt and to achieve"

"Congratulations to Mary Kom for winning a Gold in the Women's World Boxing Championships. The diligence with which she's pursued sports and excelled at the world stage is extremely inspiring. Her win is truly special," the Prime Minister said in his congratulatory tweet.

In the 57 kg (featherweight) category, Haryana pugilist Sonia Chahal had to settle for silver as she went down to Ornella Gabriele Wahner of Germany.

The 21-year-old lost 1:4 to her German counterpart in a split decision. Talking about the bout, Sonia said, "The bout was very close. I went inside the ring with full preparation but I lost my stamina."

Sonia also assured that she will work harder to bag the top spot in the upcoming championships. "I am happy that I have achieved this stage at such a young age. I will work harder to qualify for the 2020 Championships and win the gold," she said.

Meanwhile, Sonia's coach opined that although Sonia's bout was impressive, it was "not her day."

On the other hand, Ornella's coach said the German boxer "beautifully implemented" the plan. "We had a plan and she (Ornella) is very good at implementing it. She has done a beautiful job, I am very happy with her performance," he said.

Reflecting on Sonia's performance, Ornella's coach said, "She (Sonia) has all the qualities that an opponent should possess to fight but it was Ornella's day today." (ANI)

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