World Boxing Championships 2018: Mary Kom clinches record sixth World title, Sonia wins silver

Ace Indian pugilist Mary Kom got the better of Ukrainian Hanna Okhota to claim her sixth Women’s World Boxing Championships gold medal, while deutant Sonia Chahal bagged the silver medal in the 57kg category.

Mary Kom defeated Ukraine's Hanna Okhota to win her sixth World Boxing Championship gold medal.

In electrifying atmosphere, Mary Kom's stature touched a new high when she claimed her sixth title in the World women's boxing championships at Indira Gandhi Stadium Complex here on Saturday.

The 35-year-old saw off Ukraine's Hanna Okhota with a 5-0 margin in the 48kg final to clinch her first gold medal after eight years. This was her second Worlds crown on home soil and second in the light flyweight category. Her first four gold medals had come in pinweight category.

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With six gold medals and a silver, the diminutive Mary Kom now stands as the tallest woman boxer in the 17-year-old history of the event and equals legendary male boxer Cuban Felix Savon's World championships record.

In a hard-fought duel between two southpaws, Mary showcased her beautiful assortment of right jabs and well-rehearsed combinations to seize initiative.

Mary Kom celebrates after receiving her gold medal on Saturday.

 

The Ukrainian, who was prepared for the challenge following her loss to the Indian legend in Silesian Open in Poland about two months ago, employed her quick hands and tested Mary thoroughly in the second round.

With the competition heating up, Mary lifted her game and attacked in the final round. Amidst the exchange of blows, Hanna displayed some gamesmanship and invited the Indian to land more shots. It didn't help the youngster as Mary was declared a winner amidst deafening cheers.

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The Indian could not hold back her tears as she thanked the fans for their whole-hearted support.

“Thank you for your love and support. I don't have anything to give except for a gold medal to the country. I know it will be a bit difficult for me to win a gold in Tokyo as I will have to fight in 51kg. I am still dreaming about winning the gold in 2020 Olympics,” said Mary, who was adjudged the Best Boxer, wiping her tears.

Sonia Chahal takes a punch to the face during her bout against Ornelia Wahner on Saturday.

 

However, Sonia Chahal (57kg), the other Indian boxer in the finals, lost 4-1 to former World youth champion Ornelia Wahner of Germany to be satisfied with a silver medal.

Sonia deserved credit for standing like a rock despite being taken to task by the German.

Overall, Indian boxers gave an improved performance as they secured four medals, including two bronze medals for Simranjit Kaur (64kg) and Lovlina Borgohain (69kg). In the previous edition, India had managed just one silver medal.