'Rigorous training' helped Mary Kom gain confidence in 51 kg category

Six-time world champion Mary Kom, who is making her competitive debut in the 51 kg category in the forthcoming second edition of India Open Boxing Tournament, exuded confidence in her performance in the tournament saying she has trained rigorously in the last few months.

Kom arrived in Guwahati in advance to start training as the gold medallist in 48kg at India Open 2018 is aware of all the expectations that fans have from her.

"Yes, of course, there are expectations from me. I have been training well and will give my 100 per cent to make my country proud. A change is always good and I feel more confident in 51kg after the last few months of rigorous training. It feels like a homecoming to come here (Guwahati) and I hope there will be tremendous support for all the Indian boxers," said Kom in a statement.

However, the competition is not going to be an easy one as the London Olympic bronze medallist will face top international boxers such as Asian Games gold medallist Baturov Bobo, Asian Games champion Mirzakhalilov Mirazizbek, two-time World Championships medallist Jasurbek Latipov of Uzbekistan, Youth Olympic champion Brian Agustin Arregui of Argentina, world champion and reigning Asian Championships, Josie Gabuco of Philippines.

Asian Games gold medallist Amit Panghal, who has changed his weight category from 49kg to 52kg, believes that this competition provides a good platform for boxers as they prepare for the World Championships.

"There are a lot of boxers, including me, who have changed their category. So, this will be a good platform for us to face top-notch boxers and gauge the competition as we gear up for the World Championships," Panghal said.

World Championships is also an Olympic qualifier; hence, the competition will serve as a preparatory ground for all the participants.

India Open is set to commence on May 20.