IBF names reserves for Asian Games women's team

Former World Championship silver medallist L Sarita Devi, who lost to five-time world champion M C Mary Kom in the trials, was included in the Indian women's boxing team for the November Asian Games as a reserve.

Sarita, who is a reigning Asian champion, lost to Mary Kom in the trials conducted on Wednesday at the Talkatora Stadium.

In the other weight categories, Haryana's Neetu Chahal was included as a reserve for Preeti Beniwal in the 60kg division, the Indian Boxing Federation (IBF) said in a statement.

Former world champion R L Jenny would be on standby for Kavita Goyat in the 75kg category.

"In case any of the first-choice girl gets injured, we are allowed to have reserve entries. Boxing is a contact sport and you never know what might happen. We always have a reserve team even for men," explained IBF Secretary General Col P K Muralidharan Raja.

The Asian Games are scheduled from November 12 to 27 in the Chinese city of Guangzhou.