Nikhat Zareen to approach Kiren Rijiju as BFI backs Mary Kom for Olympic qualifier

Former junior world champion boxer Nikhat Zareen has written to Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju, demanding a trial bout against MC Mary Kom before India’s squad for next year’s Olympic qualifiers is decided.

Mary Kom (51kg) claimed her eighth world medal at the recently-concluded World Championships in Russia. She was selected for the event ahead of Zareen, who was refused a trial by the Boxing Federation of India, which decided to go by Mary Kom’s consistent performances while making the choice.

The BFI now also plans to send Mary Kom for the Olympic qualifiers on the back of her bronze-winning show at the World Championships, moving away from the previous decision to give direct selection only to the gold and silver winners.