NIKHAT SAYS SHE TRIED TO HUG MARY KOM BUT WAS BRUTALLY IGNORED

Boxer Nikhat Zareen after losing her 51 kg trial bout to champion Mary Kom told nnis sports she was hurt by the way Mary ignored her. Nikhat said she had pressed for the bout to get a chance to qualify for the next Olympics. At no point did she show any disrespect to Mary. Instead, after losing the bout Nikhat closed in to hug Mary but shw was rebuffed. Mary Kom turned away and did not even shake hands.

Nikhat felt Mary should have reciprocated as her respected senior. But Mary held the view that Nikhat ought to learn how to respect others rather than making too many statements outside the ring. Hence, she refused to shake hands. It clearly shows bad rancour between two known pugilists and it also means the Boxing Federation must do more to defuse this negative tension which sets a poor example anyway for younger pugilists.