Karthik Raman n New Delhi
Indian boxing sensation Mary Kom has urged everyone to stop comparing her with Pinky Jangra, who competes in the same weight category as her.
Few days ago the 32-year-old five time world amateur boxing champion said that there is a regional bias against her selection and trials. She alleged that Haryana’s Pinky is being repeatedly favoured by the selectors.
The london Olympics medallist was dropped from the Indian contingent at the Commonwealth Games in 2014 and Jangra was chosen in her place.
However on Tuesday while talking to the media on the sidelines of the Subroto Cup under-17 junior girls final, Kom claims she cried during the interview for a different reason.
“I was talking about the new academy I was going to start at Manipur, the hardships I faced,” she said. “I became emotional and started crying for some other reason. At that time the photo was taken and the news came in a different angle.”
“It is time to stop comparing with her. If you want to talk about her career and achievements, just talk about her and don’t bring me in,” the Manipur boxer told.
Kom, who announced that she will retire after the Rio Olympics, said she is currently focusing only on qualifying for Rio.
Meanhile, government senior secondary school, Alakhpura Haryana beat Chanambam Thambou higher secondary school Manipur 5-3 in penalties to lift under-17 junior girls Subroto Cup.