Indian boxing legend Mary Kom pulls out of Women’s World Championship

© PTI
© PTI

New Delhi, India, January 10, 2023: Six-time world boxing champion Mary Kom has pulled out of this year’s IBA Women’s World Championship due to injury.

The 40-year-old Indian fighter, who has won a total of eight medals at the World Championships, did not specify the nature of her injury but said she was looking to recover soon.

The IBA Women’s World Championship will be held from March 15-31 in New Delhi with competitions in 12 weight categories.

“I will not be able to participate at the Women’s World Championship this year due to injury. I am trying to recover soon. I hope we get more champions from this championship. I wish all the best to all participants,” Mary was quoted as saying by ANI.

Mary had to miss out on the Birmingham Commonwealth Games last year after withdrawing from selection trials with a knee injury. She twisted her left knee in the opening round of the 48kg semi-finals.

The legendary Indian athlete is the most successful boxer in the history of the World Championships, being the only boxer, male or female, to win eight medals.

She also became the first Indian female boxer to win a gold medal at the Asian Games, at Incheon 2014,  and also the first Indian female boxer to win gold at the Commonwealth Games in 2018.