Mary Kom to make competitive debut in 51 kg at home

New Delhi: London Olympic bronze medallist Mary Kom will make her competitive debut at home in 51kg in the second edition of the India Open boxing tournament, to be held in Guwahati from May 20-24.

With Olympic qualification round the corner, India Open with witness 35 men and 37 women boxers from India vying for glory, even as close to 200 pugilists from 16 boxing powerhouses will participate in the $70,000 tournament.

Mary Kom had opted out of the Asian Championships last month in order to prepare for the World Championships as the event will serve as good preparatory ground for Olympic qualification.

"I have been preparing well for 51 kg category. Having got a real hand idea of the competition in this class in Germany, I am ready to give my best at this tournament and test myself ahead of the World Championships," said Mary Kom, who led six Indian boxers to gold in the last edition in New Delhi.

"I am glad the event will be hosted in Assam this time. With the North-East being a powerhouse of talent, I hope this gives an opportunity to the youngsters to watch and get inspired by watching us live," she added. Keeping in mind the approved weight categories for Olympic qualification, some of the Indian pugilists have changed their weight divisions.

After her stunning performance at the Asian Championships, where she became the first Indian to win a gold in 81 kg, Pooja Rani has gone back to her original weight category of 75 kg.