Asian Games: With No Mary Kom, Who’s Carrying Forward Her Legacy?

Meet the next-gen of women boxers who will be carrying forward the five-time champion’s legacy at the Asiad.

(Photo: Arnica Kala)

Video Editor: Puneet Bhatia
Camera: Abhishek Ranjan

Think of Indian women's boxing and you'd think of MC Mary Kom. But she's not going to the 2018 Asian Games. So who are the next-gen to carry forward her legacy.

Participating in their maiden Asian Games are Sarjubala Devi (51kg), Sonia Lather (57kg) and Pavitra (60kg) – all three having missed out on the Commonwealth Games. All three will be looking to make a mark at the quadrennial event this August-September.

Our training for the Asian Games has been going well. Not just in India, the boxing federation sent us to Italy and UK for 15 days, so we can perform well.

Sarjubala Devi

Sarjubala Devi - 51kg

World Championships silver medallist Sarjubala first started boxing after she saw five-time world champion Mary Kom.

Mary Kom won a gold at the 2014 Asian Games. She is my inspiration. When I started boxing in 2004-05 she was very popular. At the that time I had thought I want to be like her.

Sarjubala Devi

Sarju, who recently bowed out in the quarter-final of the Ulaanbaatar Cup, is being deemed as a top medal contender at the Asian Games 2018. However, her qualification for the big event eventually came down to one bout, which she found out about on very short notice.

We came back from Mongolia on 26 June after playing the Ulaanbaatar Cup, when I found out I had a trial on 29 June for the 51kg category, against Pinki. I was pretty surprised when I found out about it.

Sarjubala Devi

The Manipuri boxer eventually defeated CWG bronze medallist Pinki Jagra with ease, and is looking forward to her maiden Asiad.

I’ve got this opportunity after a long time. And I’m going for the first time, so I’m very excited. Not nervous, but eager to perform well.

Sarjubala Devi

Sonia Lather - 57kg

“I work towards one target,” said Sonia Lather, who will be competing in the 57kg category at the 2018 Asian Games.

In 2014, I had thought I want to play the 2018 Asian Games. Mary Kom had won a medal at that time. And since then I have been preparing for these games.

Sonia Lather

Having won a silver a the Asian Championships last year, she said, “I am quite confident because the same countries are going to come for this Asian Games. The competition will be good”.

Pavitra - 60kg

The most experienced among the three boxers, 31-year-old Pavitra recalled her loss during the 2014 Asian Games trial, and how that didn’t stop her from aiming to qualify for the next edition.

In my 2014 Asian Games trial in Patiala, I had given my best against Sarita Devi, but didn’t get selected. I may have had some weakness then, but ever since I have been working hard for the Asian Games.

Pavitra

“I always gave my 110 percent, and have now got a chance at Asiad,” she said.