The much-anticipated bout between Mary Kom and Nikhat Zareen to make the Indian team for the 2020 Olympic qualifiers in China took place on Saturday in the national capital. The clash of the two - experience vs youth - will be best remembered for the unsporting scenes in the ring rather than the actual fight, in fact, more of a verbal duel than punches being flung at each other “ some even calling it a ‘wrestling match’.
Why did Mary Kom, the 6-time world champion in her weight category, have to be a part of the selection trials to make it to the team? For that, let’s get back into the not-so-long past: The Indian Boxing Federation tweaked rules to accommodate the world champion on the basis of her past performances. The idea resented to and objected by Thailand Open International silver medalist Nikhat Zareen who petitioned the Boxing Federation for selection on trials, which meant a straight challenge to Mary Kom.
It was a sad day on Saturday for Indian sports, especially boxing. Though Mary Kom walked home 9-1 in a split verdict trial, the fight was not without its share of tension and the alleged cuss words from either side that resonated across the ring. For, Mary Kom not responding to Zareen’s attempt at hugging her after the bout doesn’t augur well for boxing and the fraternity connected with the sporting discipline. She may have been angered by Zareen’s off-the-ring explosive comments building up to the trials, but that shouldn’t have permitted her to put on display the unsporting spirit. Being a legendary figure herself, Mary Kom sends a wrong message to the younger athletes.
Nevertheless, not taking away the credit from the iconic boxer Mary Kom, at 39 and mother of three, took on the challenge from the much younger and agile boxer, who not only lost the bout on Saturday but also on two previous occasions since 2016. Mary Kom has had technical superiority over her adversaries as a result of her vast experience and will continue to do it till she calls it a day. With this victory, Kom also silenced her critics who assailed her for expressing her desire to not go through a trial due to her continuous high-level performances in the last few months. But not going through the after-bout formalities is not sportsmanship from seniors.
For Nikhat Zareen, her agility and stamina in the ring cannot be questioned. Young and determined, Zareen has a long career ahead and her efforts are bound to bear fruits. Until then she will have to stay focused on finer techniques of boxing, remain humble and avoid the media limelight vis-Ã -vis the controversies.
Being a senior and an idol to Nikhat Zareen, the legendary Boxing Queen should have taught the youngster what sportsmanship is all about instead of the ugly event that robbed the charm and excitement of Saturday’s bout.
