The Indian contingent has kept the hopes up for an Olympic medal on the sixth day of the Tokyo Olympic Games. Though the Indian athletes performed well, Indian boxer Mary Kom was unfortunately knocked out in the Round of 16.
So far, Saikhom Mirabai Chanu has clinched a silver medal for India in the 49 kg weightlifting category. She has achieved the feat on the very first day of the Tokyo Olympics. Today, the Indian archer, Atanu Das outplayed Oh Jin-Hyek, the London Olympics gold medallist, thus entering the pre-quarterfinals. The Indian rowing team of Arjun and Arvind finished 11th. Star shuttler PV Sindhu has continued her winning streak, as she defeated Mia Blichfeldt. PV Sindhu has entered the quarters.
“Couldn’t Believe That I Lost,” Says MC Mary Kom
Mary Kom is a shining name in the world of boxing. She is the six-time world champion and has also won a bronze medal in the London Olympics. She put up a great fight against Ingrit Valencia of Colombia in the Round of 16 match of Women’s Flyweight category. However, she lost the match by split decision.
Mary Kom says, “I thought I was winning the fight. Then I saw Kiren Rijiju’s tweet on social media about my defeat, I was shocked and upset after that. I don’t know what to say, I can’t believe a decision like this was made. I was happy inside the ring, when I came out, I was happy because in my mind I knew I had won. When they took me for doping, I was still happy. Only when I saw the social media and my coach (Chhote Lal Yadav repeated it to me), it sunk in that I have lost,” she added.
“I had beaten this girl twice in the past. I couldn’t believe that her hand was raised by the referee. I swear, it hadn’t struck me that I lost, I was so sure. The worst part is that there is no review or protest,” she exclaimed.
Although the 38-year-old boxer’s journey came to an end in the Tokyo Olympics, she fought valiantly. India is proud of her gargantuan achievements.