India's five-time world women's boxing champion M.C. Mary Kom did win a bronze at the semi final encounter but was just short of her dreams of grabbing a gold/silver on Wednesday. Nevertheless 'Magnificent Mary' has done the nation proud by giving a tough fight before bowing out and ofcourse rightfully gained the bronze. World number 2 British fighter Nicola Adams took advantage of Kom's longer reach and power to comfortably win the semi final bout. Mary was boxed out for a 6-11 game. Niocla next faces World Champion Ren Cancan of China in the finals.
The whole nation was pinning hopes on the Manipuri mother of two kids but inspite of tremendous efforts could not scale heights.'The whole country was wishing me luck and praying for me. I am very sorry. I couldn’t come with the gold. But, I am happy that at least I have won an Olympic medal for which I have been dreaming about for so many years,” exclaimed the 29-year-old, in despair. The 29-year-old Briton had the height, reach and speed to keep Mary at arm’s length most of the time. The secretary general of the Indian Amateur Boxing Federation (IABF), Brig. Muralidharan Raja hailed her efforts and appreciated the boxer who surpassed even when out of her pr.
India's hopes on Devendro Singh's clash with Ireland's Paddy Barnes of Ireland in the men's fly weight (49 kg) category, quarter finals also were invain. Devendro lost after a fiercely-fought light flyweight (49 kg) quarter-final bout 18-23 at the London Olympics. It was Devendro's inexperience that was partly responsible for his downfall. Although he landed a few hard blows on his opponent, a Beijing Games bronze medallist, the Irishman was equal to his task with exhibition of fantastic defending.
India's Tintu Luka qualified for the women's 800m semifinals in the Olympic Games after finishing third in one of the heats in London on Wednesday. In a heat won by world champion Mariya Savinova of Russia in 2:01.56, Tintu had to work hard towards the finish to get among the top three that ensured an automatic qualification into the next round. “I am happy she did it without going all out. That was the plan and she did that. Even if she had not got the third, she would have gone through on timing,” said Tintu’s coach P.T. Usha.
Events for Thursday: Important events that the Indians would like to keep track for the day are listed below:
1. ATHLETICS: Women's High Jump Qualification were athlete Sahana Kumari would be testing the waters.
2. ATHLETICS:Women's 800m Semifinals: Tintu Luka.
3. WRESTLING: Women's 55kg Freestyle: Geeta Phogat
(With inputs from internet-AW AarKay)
