From rxpgnews.com
My dream has come true: Mary Kom
By Indo Asian News Service,
Nov 24, 2006 - 4:53:43 AM
New Delhi, Nov 23 - After completing a golden hat-trick in the Women's World Boxing Championship here Thursday, ace Indian pugilist M.C. Mary Kom said it was a dream come true.
'After last year's championship, I promised my parents that I would win this time also since it was being held in the country,' said Mary Kom after clinching her third consecutive gold in the 46kg category.
'Since then I have practiced hard and dreamt of the gold medal everyday. Today my dream has come true,' she said at the Talkatora Stadium.
Mary Kom's earlier gold medals had come in Russia last year and in Turkey in 2004.
Wrapped in the tri-colour the 24-year-old Manipuri girl took a victory lap and then burst into tears when the media persons surrounded her.
'Everyone in our team worked very hard for this day and it is good to see that we have achieved it on our home soil,' she said.
'Now I will dream again to represent India in the Olympics at least once till the time my body permits.'
It is another thing that women's boxing is not an Olympic sport, though the organisers are hopeful that it would be included in the 2012 games.
Jenny R. Lalaranliani -, Lekha K.C. - and Laishram Sarita Devi - also did the nation proud by winning gold.
'When I woke up in the morning I prayed to god and even when I took to the ring I was still praying,' said Jenny, who defeated Swedish Klara Svensson 30-9 after the referee stopped contest in the second round due to a huge difference in points.
'And after the first round I was sure that the gold medal was mine.'
Jenny's compatriot Sarita Devi, who won the fourth gold for India defeating Ukrainian Victoria Rudenko 24-16 in the 52kg category, was still in daze after winning her maiden gold at the highest level.
'When I got the medal I touched it to see whether I was still dreaming. It is a great feeling and it is more special sine it was a tough match for me,' she said.
For Frenchwoman Aya Cissoko, her 28th birthday will be the most memorable day of her life as she won her maiden gold defeating Oleksandra Kozlan of Ukraine 10-1 in the 66kg in her first appearance in the World Championships.
'It was such and wonderful gift, and in fact I only gifted myself. This has been an wonderful year for me as I have participated in seven international tournaments and won six gold medals and a bronze,' she said.
India won four gold, a silver and three bronze and emerged as the champion team with 34 points followed by Russian boxers who won three gold and as many bronze medals and gathered 28 points.
N. Usha won the only silver - and bronze medals went to Chotu Loura - and Aruna Mishra - and Renu -.
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