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Six-time world champion MC Mary Kom and Lovlina Borgohain have been selected for the upcoming women's world boxing championships based on their recent performances, a decision that has been lambasted by former junior world champion Nikhat Zareen.
The 36-year-old Mary Kom, who has already claimed two gold medals this year (India Open and a recent tournament in Indonesia), has been selected in the 51kg category. World and Asian bronze-medallist Borgohain will be competing in the 69kg category.
The Hyderabadi, in a letter to Boxing Federation of India, alleged that she was "stopped from competing" in a scheduled trial bout on Tuesday against Vanlal Duati by chairman of selectors Rajesh Bhandari.
Bhandari, on his part, asserted that the decision to select Mary Kom had been taken days earlier in consultation with the BFI top brass. The world championships are scheduled from October 3 to 13 in Russia.
"We got a representation from Mary Kom's coach (Chhotelal Yadav) and after considering it, we felt that Mary Kom had done enough to merit selection without trials. The BFI has been consulted on this matter," Bhandari told PTI.
In her letter, Zareen, who is also a former world youth silver winner and an Asian bronze-medallist, said the turn of events has been nothing short of disappointing and left her stunned.
"I'm really surprised by this action as I have already participated in World Championships in 2016 and if I was fine then, so in 2019, I surely cannot be younger and this cannot be the reason," she added.
Zareen called on the BFI to hold a trial, which will continue for other weight categories till Thursday.
"Unfair practices should not be used for boxers trying to avoid participating in the trials. I look forward to your immediate intervention and restoring the faith of every boxer in India," she added.
Bhandari said the "carefully thought out decision" to pick Mary Kom has been taken keeping India's medal prospects in mind. Mary Kom is a legend in the event, having claimed six gold medals and a silver in her eight appearances.
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