Women’s World C’ships: Mary Kom, Sarita get first-round byes; Kosovan player not in draw

Seven Indian players received first-round byes; Kosovo boxer Donjeta Sadika was scheduled to compete in the 60kg category but was not listed in the draw announced on Wednesday.

Mary Kom and Rio Olympics bronze medalist Mira Potkonen during a press conference in New Delhi.

Kosovo boxer Donjeta Sadiku’s chances of competing at the AIBA Women World Boxing Championship are virtually over since her name does not figure in the draw released on Wednesday.

Sadiku, who has not got a visa to travel to the national capital since India does not recognise Kosovo, was to compete in the 60kg category.

READ: Mary Kom eyes historic sixth gold

The IOA had made efforts to have the Kosov boxer in the competition and even sought Sports Ministry’s intervention, but it seems her campaign is over before it could start.

M.C. Mary Kom and L. Sarita Devi were among the seven Indian boxers who got first round byes. In fact, none of the Indian boxers will be in action on the opening day of the event, beginning tomorrow.

Pinky Rani (51kg), Sonia (57kg), Lovelina Borgahain (69kg), Sweety Boora (75kg) and Seema Poonia (+81kg) were the other Indian boxers to get a first-round bye.

Manisha (54kg) and Kachari Bhagyabati (81kg) will compete with Dina Zholaman and Irina Nociletta on November 16 and 18 respectively.

Seema will clash with China’s Xiaoli Yang, who also got a bye in the opening round in the +81kg.

Mary Kom, who is bidding for a historic sixth World title, will be seen in action on Sunday. She awaits winner of the first-round bout between American JazzelleBobadilla and Kazakhstan’s Aigerim Kassenayeva.