This story is from December 28, 2019

'I did not start this': Mary Kom fumes at Nikhat Zareen after bout

In the much hyped trial bout between MC Mary Kom and former junior world champion Nikhat Zareen for a spot in the next year's Olympic qualifiers, the 36-year-old and six-time world champion emerged on the top. Mary Kom convincingly won the bout 9-1 but remained combative after the match as well, refusing the customary handshake and also rebuffing an attempted hug from her younger rival.
'I did not start this': Mary Kom fumes at Nikhat Zareen after bout
(PTI photo)
NEW DELHI: In the much hyped trial bout between MC Mary Kom and former junior world champion Nikhat Zareen for a spot in the next year's Olympic qualifiers, the 36-year-old and six-time world champion emerged on the top. Mary Kom convincingly won the bout 9-1 but remained combative after the match as well, refusing the customary handshake and also rebuffing an attempted hug from her younger rival.
Slamming the controversy that preceded her showdown with Nikhat, Mary Kom said she was angry and irritated as her credentials were questioned.

Read also: Mary Kom beats Nikhat Zareen to make Indian team for Olympic qualifiers
"I don't like this, you drag my name into an unnecessary controversy and then you try to posture. Yes, I didn't hug her, what's the big deal? I did not start this, I never said I will not fight you in a trial then why did you drag my name," Mary Kom said referring to Zareen's open letter to sports minister Kiren Rijiju specifically demanding a trial bout against the legend.
"I am also a human being, I also get irritated. Can't I get angry when my credentials are questioned like this? And this wasn't the first time. It has happened so many times with me despite the fact that no other Indian boxer has achieved what I have achieved," Mary Kom added.
"Perform and take my spot, who is stopping you? But don't talk big without that. If you do that, I will hit back. Why was this made a media trial about me?" she fumed.

Reacting on her senior’s behaviour even after the match ended, a hurtful Nikhat said that she gave her best but was also not impressed with Mary Kom’s behaviour post the clash.
"I am happy with how I performed. I gave my all. I did not like her behaviour after the bout. I expected that as a senior boxer she would appreciate my effort. I felt hurt but I don't want to comment anything more," Zareen said after her 51kg category bout..
"She also used a bad word for me (after the bout) but it's ok," she added.
Zareen also vowed to come back stronger from the setback.
" I will get another chance and I will prove myself there. If she doesn't qualify from February Olympic Qualifiers, I would again appear for a trial for the world qualifiers in May," she said.
"I want to remain positive and I am sure I will be back stronger," she added.
(With inputs from PTI)
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