AIBA Women's World Boxing meet to begin

New Delhi: As many as 300 boxers under 10 weight categories from 73 countries will battle for top honours when the AIBA Womens World Boxing Championships starts at the IG Stadium here from Thursday.

The highlight of the 10th edition will be that new countries — Scotland, Malta, Bangladesh, Cayman Islands, DR Congo, Mozambique, Sierra Leone and Somalia — are making their debut to make the New Delhi championships very special.

"I am happy all the boxers have had a wonderful time during their practice sessions. It was a priority for us as we were committed to take care of this aspect, providing them with similar conditions that will prevail during the championships," Boxing Federation of India (BFI) president Ajay Singh said.

BFI president thanked the government, Sports Ministry and Sports Authority

of India for lending a supporting hand which made the organisation that much easier. "They have extended full support to make the event a great success," he added.

India's top contender MC Mary Kom and other boxers were confident of a good show and expected the crowd support to back them.

"We have a distinct advantage in front of the home crowd and they will definitely shore up our confidence," said Mary Kom.

"We have been training hard at the camp and are sure of doing well," added the Indian legend.