London Olympics: Mary Kom cruises into quarterfinals, dedicates win to her twin sons

As she stepped into the ring, there was a big roar, ‘c’mon Mary, c’mon Mary’, from all corners of the spectators’ gallery. For a while, it looked like MC Mary Kom was fighting in India. And the magnificent Mary didn’t disappoint either, cruising into the quarterfinal of the 51kg category with ease, defeating Polish boxer Karolina Michalczuk 19-14, says a report in Hindustan Times.

After the win, Mary Kom became emotional and dedicated the victory to her twin sons. “Today is their birthday and I am not with them to celebrate it because I am here to cherish my dream of competing in the Olympics. I want to dedicate this win and want to present them with an Olympic medal on their fifth birthday and, hopefully, I will do it,” said Mary Kom.

Meanwhile Deccan Herald reports that Mary, with five world championship titles under her belt, whipped Polish opponent Karolina Michalczuk into submission with her aggressive intent to notch up a convincing 19-14 victory in the 48-51 kg class as women's boxing made its Olympic debut today.

The 29-year-old Manipur-born Mary, a mother of two, lined herself up one victory away from a medal in the ring. Her next bout is against Maroua Rahali of Tunisia, who got a first round bye, tomorrow. After a close opening two rounds in the four-round encounter (each round lasts 2 minutes), Mary opened up a sizeable lead in the third, that proved decisive against the world no. 5.

"It was a good way to start, the whole country was praying for this win. There were lot of people of all religion who were praying for me and I am happy that I have crossed the first hurdle," Mary said after the win.

"It was tough as it was the first bout of the Olympics. It was the first Olympics for me and it is a very good experience," the Indian added.

According to a report in Indian Express, women's boxing debuted at the Olympics today, and so did an emotional M C Mary Kom. But for the many families from Manipur and Mizoram who have been setting up homes in Leyton and other areas around Stratford after immigrating to the United Kingdom, it was a reunion of sorts. When the roar went up for the Indian after her entry into the quarterfinals with an easy, 19-14 win over Polish Karolina Michalczuk in the flyweight category (51 kg), they joined the revelry, even as old acquaintances were renewed on the sidelines.

“As soon as she qualified, we booked tickets online. It was easier then, but now that the hype’s increased, we realise how lucky we are,” said Kayton, a Mizo who has been settled here for 10 years, who was at the bout with his wife.