New Delhi, Oct 17 (UNI) Indian boxer Nikhat Zareen ,who competes in the 51kg category, has written a letter to Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju expressing concern at Boxing Federation of India's (BFI) decision of not allowing her a trial bout against Mary Kom for entry into the Tokyo Olympics Qualifiers.
In her letter, which Zareen also posted on her Twitter account on Thursday, she demanded for a trial bout against the MC Mary Kom before India's squad selection for the next year's Olympic Qualifiers.
"Sir, the very basis of sport is fairplay and need to keep proving oneself each and every time. Even Olympic gold medallists have to fight again to qualify to represent the country', Zareen wrote.
Mary Kom (51kg) bagged her eighth world medal at the recently concluded World Championships in Russia. Before the tournament, Mary was selected ahead of Zareen, who was refused a trial by the Boxing Federation of India (BFI).
At that time, BFI had decided to go by Mary Kom's consistent performances not the trails while making the choice for the event.
The BFI now also plans to send Mary Kom for the Olympic qualifiers after bronze-winning performance at the world championships, moving away from their previous decision to give direct selection only to the gold and silver winners. The qualifiers will take place in China in February 2020.
After explaining how the BFI has now, twice cancelled her trial in the 51kg category against Mary Kom to facilitate the latter's direct entry in world competitions, Zareen wrote, "I have been inspired by Mary Kom since I was a teenager. The best way I can do justice to that inspiration is to strive to be as great a boxer as her."
"Mary Kom is too big a legend to hide from the competition and not actually defend her Olympic qualification, " she added.
Meanwhile, Olympic bronze medallist Mary Kom has maintained that she would follow the BFI guidelines on selection trials and will compete if asked by the federation.
In order to strengthen her stance further, Zareen said even if she were to lose the trial bout, should she get one, she would feel content about at least getting a chance.
"I look for no favours, just fairplay. And whether Mary Kom or any other boxer qualifies after the trial, we can at least sleep at night knowing that every one of the candidate for the best possible opportunity to make India proud at Olympics," she said.
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