Mary Kom strikes gold in Asian Cup

Five-time world champion M C Mary Kom (48kg) clinched her first gold medal of the year by finishing on top in the Asian Cup Women's Boxing tournament in Haikou, China.

The mother-of-two from Manipur claimed the gold after beating Asian champion Kim Myong Sim of North Korea 4-3 in the final.

Playing her first tournament since her bronze medal at the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games, Mary Kom had made a place in the last two of her weight division after drubbing Kate Appari of Philippines.

In the title clash she had to work hard as her North Korean opponent put up a stiff challenge. In the end though, it was the skill and agility of the world champion that came through as she went on to clinch the yellow metal, the Indian Boxing Federation said in a statement.

However, he other Indian in fray, Pavitra (57kg) had to face defeat in the finals as she lost 6-11 to Tossamalee Thonalan of Thailand. Earlier in the tournament Neetu (60kg), Kavita Goyat (75kg), Laxmi Padiya (81kg) and Kavita Chahal (+81kg) earned bronze medals for their performance.