INCHEON, Sept 28 (PTI): Olympic bronze-medallist MC Mary Kom led the charge as Indian women boxers packed a powerful punch by assuring themselves of medals in each of the three weight categories at the 17th Asian Games, here today.
Mary Kom (51kg), L Sarita Devi (60kg) and Pooja Rani (75kg) entered the semifinals of their respective weight categories with commanding victories.
Mary Kom kicked off the proceedings in the ring for India for a second successive day and once again gave a perfect start, against Si Haijuan of China.
Facing an opponent 10 years her junior, the five-time world champion Indian drew from her huge reservoir of experience to outwit the rather sprightly Chinese.
Particularly impressive in the second round, Mary seemed on course for a comfortable win but was taken by surprise in the third round, in which Haijuan tactfully blunted the Indian�s attack.
Sarita, on the other hand, endured an energy-sapping slug fest against Mongolia�s Suvd Erdene Oyungerel but was a clear winner. She will now face Korean Jina Park in the last-four stage.
Pooja then rounded off an all-win day for the women by out-punching Shen Dara Flora of Chinese Taipei in her quarterfinal bout. Pooja capitalised on her rival�s poor defence, pummelling her torso with sharp uppercuts and targetting the temple with powerful hooks.
She will next face Li Qian of China in the semifinal.
In the evening session, L Devendro Singh (49kg), the lone Indian male boxer in fray today, took just a minute and 27 seconds to beat Laos� Lasavongsy Bounphone in a Technical Knockout.
