Gold for Mary, Sarita; Perfect 10 for boxers

On a comeback trail after recovering from a shoulder injury, London Olympics bronze-medallist Mary Kom (51 kg) packed a powerful punch against her seasoned Sri Lankan rival Anusha Kodituwakku Dilrukshi to be adjudged winner via Technical Knockout (TKO) in a bout lasting less than 90 seconds. 

With Mary landing some powerful blows, Anusha lost her balance and injured her right knee. This forced her to take a medical break before attempting a comeback.

However, a booming jab from the five-time world champion sent her almost out of the ring before the referee intervened. 

The injury to Anusha will take about two-three months to heal. “Anusha has sustained medical collateral ligament tear which would take about two three months to recover,” the Sri Lankan team doctor told PTI. 

Anusha, the first woman boxer from her country to win a gold in the 2003 Asian Championship, had thrown a challenge to Mary Kom before the bout but the Lankan was left crying on the podium. The pugilists thus finished their campaign with all the 10 gold medals in boxing after the men’s team clinched the top honour on Monday.