Mary Kom knocked out of Tokyo Olympics in Round of 16

The 3-2 loss ended 38-year-old Mary’s quest for an Olympic gold medal in what could be her last Olympic appearance.

Mary Kom may have perhaps just competed in her last Olympics.

Six-time World champion and London Olympics bronze medallist M.C. Mary Kom lost to Rio Olympics bronze medallist Ingrit Valencia of Colombia in a thrilling women’s 51kg pre-quarterfinal bout in the Tokyo Olympics on Thursday.

The 3-2 loss ended 38-year-old Mary’s quest for an Olympic gold medal in what could be her last Olympic appearance.

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Having a 2-0 head-to-head record against the Colombian, Mary went into the fight with some psychological advantage. But Ingrit was well-prepared for the challenge as she landed some clean combination of punches.

Mary tried to return the favour from a distance but could not connect too many of her blows to lose the opening round 4-1.

The Indian tried to catch up with her rival and gave her all in the second round. Mary’s right-left combination looked more effective in the midst of fast exchange of punches and she took the round 3-2.

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The tiring Mary didn’t give up as the exciting trading of punches continued in the final round. She recorded another 3-2 win, but lost the bout in the overall verdict.

Mary was gracious enough to greet her opponent and the spectators before leaving the boxing hall.