Five-time world champion MC Mary Kom has decided to opt out of the Indian boxing squad for the 2018 Asian Games, which was announced here on Friday.
Instead of Mary, fellow Manipur star Sarjubala Devi will represent India in the women's 51 kilogram category at the Asiad.
"Sarjubala Devi defeated Pinki Rani in the selection trial to take the final spot in the squad. Both the boxers had earned equal points and share of wins in the last two months and the trial was organised to finalize the last name in the squad," the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) said in a statement on Friday.
Mary stated that she is concentrating on winning Gold in the 48kg division at the World Championships to be held here in November.
"I opted out myself because there is is no 48 kilogram category at the Asian Games. Right now I am focussed on winning Gold at the World Championships in that weight category," Mary said.
"Also, I have won medals at the Asian Games which include a Gold and Bronze in the 51kg event. Now I want to give a chance to the upcoming youngsters," she added.
The stress is that the five-time world champion is not in the squad since her preferred weight category is not included at the Asiad.
"She is not excluded. The Asian Games has only three weight categories in women's boxing (51kg, 57kg and 60kg) where respective players will represent India," the BFI said.
Apart from Sarjubala, Sonia lather (57kg) and Pavitra (60kg) will represent India in the women's events.
Among the men's Vikas Krishan (75kg) who has previously won a Gold at the 2010 Asian Games, will spearhead the Indian challenge along with Gaurav Solanki (52 Kg), Mohammad Hussamuddin (56kg), Amit Panghal (49kg) and Manoj Kumar (69Kg).