After Mary Kom, Manju Rani Secures World Medal After Entering Semi-Final

Six-time world champion MC Mary Kom on Thursday secured a record eighth medal at the Women’s World Boxing Championships at Ulan Ude in Russia by advancing to the flyweight (51kg) semifinals here. After Mary Kom, Manju Rani assured India a second medal by advancing to the light flyweight (48kg) semifinals.

Mary Kom registered a 5-0 unanimous victory over Rio Olympic bronze medalist Ingrit Valencia of Colombia to reach the semi-finals, the last-four stage, in 51kg division. 

Sixth-seeded Manju registered a 4-1 victory over top seed Kim Hyang of North Korea to reach the semi-finals, the last-four stage, in 48kg division. This would be her maiden medal at the Worlds. 

Mary used all her experience to sway away from challenges and land punches at the right time to put pressure on Valencia. Mary was adjudged winner on points after she got a scoreline of 29-28, 30-27, 29-28, 30-27, 29-28.

With the victory, Mary Kom surpassed herself as the most successful boxer to win eight medals in the history of the Women’s World Championships.

History Scripted!

India's @MangteC becomes 1st and only boxer to win medals in #aibaworldboxingchampionships since its inception, aims 7th Gold as she cruise past her opponent to reach the Semis.

Way to go as assures first medal#GoforGold#PunchMeinHaiDum #boxing pic.twitter.com/VXI883zs96

— Boxing Federation (@BFI_official) October 10, 2019

Congratulations Mary Kom @MangteC on defeating Rio Olympic bronze medallist Ingirt Valencia to reach the last four of the World Boxing Championship and being assured of a record 8th medal. pic.twitter.com/TesnFnf0Nh

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) October 10, 2019

The 36-year-old won her last World Championships gold medal in New Delhi in 2018. Before the start of the tournament, she had six gold and a silver in her kitty in 489kg category.

Besides six world titles, the Manipuri boxer has one Olympic bronze medal, one Asian Games gold medal, four Asian Championships gold medals and one Commonwealth Games gold, among her many accolades.

This year alone, she won gold medals at the India Open in Guwahati and President’s Cup in Indonesia. 

Mary Kom will face second-seeded Turk Busenaz Cakiroglu in the semifinals on Saturday.

Manju's score at the end of the quarter-final bout stood at 29-28, 30-27, 29-28, 28-29, 29-28. Manju next faces Thailand's Chuthamat Raksat in the semifinals, on October 12.

Superrr Upset!

Sensational comeback by Manju!

Despite the stiff challenge, Manju Rani remained calm under pressure and secured a win over the top seed- Kim Hyang Mi of at the #AIBAWomenWorldBoxingChampionship !

Kudos on the huge win!a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PunchMeinHaiDum?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PunchMeinHaiDum #boxing pic.twitter.com/xjYNbL1HfB

— Boxing Federation (@BFI_official) October 10, 2019