Mary Kom, who was on comeback trail after taking an almost two-year-long break due to the birth of her third child, lost to Pinki Jangra (51kg) in the finals of the three-day selection trials which concluded in Patiala today.
"It was a close bout and I wish Pinki all the best. I hope she brings India a medal," a disappointed Mary Kom told PTI after the setback.
"This is the biggest breakthrough of my career. I respect Mary didi a lot, she has been an inspiration for us. I am very excited to get this opportunity and would look to make the most of it," Jangra told PTI.
"I think I beat Mary didi because I have been an active camper and she was coming back after a break. So, I managed to catch her off-guard," she said.
The other boxers who were selected in the women's squad are former World Championship silver-medallist L Sarita Devi (60kg) and Pooja Rani (75kg).
The 24-year-old Jangra is an Asian Championships silver-medallist and had first burst into the scene by beating Mary Kom at the 2009 National Championships.
"I am the youngest child in the family and initially when I started boxing after being inspired by my brother, my parents were very protective of me. But eventually they came around," said Jangra.
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