NEW DELHI: The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) on Wednesday unveiled the logo and anthem for the 2018 AIBA Womens World Boxing Championships, to be held at the India Gandhi Indoor Stadium here from from November 15 to 24.
Indian boxing legend and five-time world champion MC Mary Kom has been named brand ambassador of the 10th edition of the Women’s World Championship, which will see the participation of around 325 pugilists from 73 countries vying for top honours across 10 weight categories.
“It is a matter of immense pride and prestige for BFI that in a span of two years since its inception, we have been able to bring the World Championship to India; we as a nation are strongly considered as one of the most promising boxing prospects in the world. Our boxers in the last two years have not only won medals at major tournaments but also have shown their prowess on all big stages. I hope we will be able to repeat the feats at home when we start our Worlds’ Campaign next month,” BFI president Ajay Singh said in a statement.
Since the inception of the Women’s World Championship in 2001, India had hosted the tournament once in 2006 and had registered its best ever haul then of 8 medals, including 4 Gold (one of which was won by Mary Kom), 1 Silver and 3 Bronze.
The logo launch function was attended Mary Kom, veteran boxer Laishram Sarita Devi, and other Indian team squad members.
“This World Championship is special in a lot many ways, I would definitely give my best shot and want to live the feeling of winning Gold in front of the home crowd,” she said.
“She is not just a women’s boxing icon, not just a boxing icon, she is a sporting icon for all of India and we could not think of anyone better,” BFI president Ajay Singh said, about the decision to select Mary Kom as event brand ambassador.
The Indian squad:
Mary Kom (48 kg), Pinky Jangra (51 kg), Manisha Maun (54 kg), Sonia (57 kg), L. Sarita Devi (60 kg), Simranjit Kaur (64 kg), Lovlina Borgohain (69 kg), Saweety Boora (75 kg), Bhagyabati Kachari (81 kg) and Seema Poonia (+81 kg).
