AIBA C'ship: Mary Kom, Lovlina Borgohain to lead India on Day 1 of semifinals

New Delhi [India], Nov 21 (ANI): Indian boxers Mary Kom and Lovlina Borgohain will be in the fray as they will compete in their respective weight categories in the semi-finals of the ongoing 10th International Boxing Association (AIBA) Women's World Boxing Championships on Thursday here at the KD Jhadav Hall.
As all eyes will be on the 35-year-old, Mary will enter the ring for her last four berth bout against Kim Hyang Mi of North Korea in the 48 kg category.
The Manipuri veteran, who had beaten Kim in her last meeting in the Asian Championships, said that all bouts in the world championships are tough, but what weighs things in favour is 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," Mary described her semifinal bout after a strenuous practice session earlier today.
Equally important will be Lovlina's performance as India will hope for the young pugilist to progress into the next round.
The welter category (69 kg) boxer had done extremely well throughout the championships and was particularly good against Australia's Kaye Frances Scott.
The Assamese boxer will get a 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," Lovlina said.
Following Mary and Lovlina, two other Indians in the line are Sonia (57 kg) and Simranjit Kaur (64 kg), who will compete in their respective semifinals on Friday.
Talking about her upcoming bout, Sonia said, "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."
As for Simranjit, she said, "I have worked hard and I am prepared well for my bout."
On November 22, a bout in five weight categories (48 kg, 54 kg, 60 kg, 69 kg, 81 kg) will take place while the remaining five are slated for November 23. (ANI)