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Mary Kom, Lovlina to lead Indian charge on day 1 of boxing Worlds semis (Preview)
New Delhi, Nov 21 (IANS) Five-time World champion M.C. Mary Kom and rookie Lovlina Borgohain are the two Indians in fray for their semi-final bouts in the 10th womens World Boxing Championships at the K.D.Jadhav Indoor Stadium here on Thursday.
The Indians cannot get a better chance than this one under home conditions as four of their pugilists have entered the medal rounds.
But a lot depends on the celebrated Mary Kom, having already become the most successful boxer in history by assuring herself of a seventh medal, to give the kind of start like she did on Tuesday for the young India brigade to follow suit.
Mary had clinched the gold medal on five occasions — 2002, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010 — besides bagging a silver on her debut in 2001.
Undoubtedly, all eyes will be on the 35-year-old when she enters the ring for Thursday’s semifinal bout against North Korean Kim Hyang Mi in the 48 kilogram category.
The Indian had beaten Kim in her last meeting in the Asian Championships and the Manipuri veteran is confident of another good show.
Like she said during the quarterfinal victory over Chinese Wu Yu, all bouts in the world championships are tough. But what weighs things in her favour is her sheer experience.
“I am confident. I also know when to drop guard and when to attack. I have worked with the coaches and have a plan in place to counter her,” was how Mary described about Thursday’s semis, after a strenuous practice session on Wednesday.
The North Korean’s USP is her aggression and quick movement as one witnessed on Tuesday when she pummeled her South Korean opponent, Chorong Bak, who was a favourite before the quarterfinals.
Equally important will be Lovlina Borgohain’s performance as India will hope the young pugilist to progress to the final.
The Welter category (69 kg) boxer had done extremely well throughout the championships and was particularly good against Australia’s Kaye Frances Scott, a CWG bronze medal winner, in the quarterfinals.
The Assamese boxer gets her chance to avenge her only loss to the Chinese Taipei opponent, Chen Nien-Chin.
But Lovlina feels she has matured as a boxer and can think on her feet now.
“I was inexperienced last time when I took on her. But I now know how to tackle her. I did watch some of the video clips to know her style of boxing,” said the 21-year-old, who has displayed a perfect mix of caution with aggression so far.
Two other Indians in fray, Sonia (57 kg) and Simranjit Kaur (64 kg) have their semifinals on Friday.
Both Sonia and Simranjit said they were prepared for Friday’s bout.
“I have beaten my North Korean opponent (Jo Son Hwa) once before. But both of us know about each other’s style, but I am confident of winning because I have worked with the coaches on strategies,” said Sonia.
As for Simranjit, she said she was equally prepared, before she went for the practice.
“I have worked hard and am prepared well for my bout,” she said.
On Thursday, semi-final bouts in five weight categories (48, 54, 60, 69, 81) will take place while the remaining five are slated for Friday.
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.