Northeast women shine at 4th Asian women Boxing Championship
14 Oct 2008, 1848 Hrs

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Guwahati, Oct.14 The recently held 4th Asian women's boxing championship witnessed a big cheer in the northeast, as of the three gold medals won by India , two were won by the women boxers belonging to this part of the country.

There were 79 women boxers from 11 Asian countries participating in the championship held at Guwahati's Sarusajai Sports Complex.

For Sarita Devi, one of the medalists, from Manipur it was a repeat of her performance of the World Boxing Championship held in the national capital Delhi a few years ago.

Twenty-six-year-old Sunita, who is a Manipur Police inspector with two Asian titles in the 54 kg weight group and one gold medal at the World championship in the 52 kg category, earned her third Asian gold with triumph.

"The performance of northeast was good. Out of the five contestants, three have won while two other lost. Win or loss is a part of game, so one shouldn't get too much disappointed of that. But definitely, the future of northeast women boxer is good," said Sarita Devi.

Assamese Kalpana Chowdhury beat Ngo Thi Phuong of Vietnam to win her maiden Asian crown.

China with six gold medals won the championship while North Korea with four gold medals was second and the host India occupied third place by winning three gold medals.

Sabita Barman, a boxing coach, said: "I can't explain how am I feeling on the success. So many guardians along with their children's are here to witness the event. I am very happy. I am myself a Coach...I want children to come forward...and they should be encouraged... We all want that more such games should be held here."

Meanwhile, the defeat of the three-time World champion M.C. Marykom of India was a shock for all the lovers of boxing. She was beaten by North Korea's Ok Jong 4-1 in the pin-weight final.

Though Indian stood third in the Asian championship, it proved a good platform for the women boxers from the north east to demonstrate their talent and boost morale.

Many people during the championship opined that sportspersons from the north east once again proved their strength and potential to bring glory for the country at international level. By Peter Alex Todd (ANI)