Kolkata: Indian pugilists MC Mary Kom and Vikas Krishan were honoured at the International Boxing Association’s (AIBA) 70th anniversary event in Montreux, Switzerland, on Wednesday.
Five-time world champion and Olympic bronze-medalist Mary Kom was given the AIBA Legends award, while Vikas won the APB (AIBA Pro Boxing) Best Boxer trophy at the event which also saw the launch of the AIBA’s legends programme.
Ukraine’s Wladimir Klitschko, Cuba’s Felix Savon and France’s Brahim Asloum were also honoured for their achievements apart from Mary Kom. The Greatest aka the Late Muhammed Ali was given first AIBA Greats award.
The honours marked the perfect tribute to the efforts of the boxers who have held their own despite adversities. Boxing is not that popular a sport in India, but these two have proved where there is a will, there is a way.
“I would like to thank AIBA President Dr Wu for giving me this award along with APB Director Mr Mirko Wolf. We had no federation for the last four years but now we have one and all of them are working hard and I hope we will do well in the future,” said Vikas.
The pugilist from Manipur, Mary Kom (33) was felicitated for her
career and was also one of the eight brand ambassadors for the event this year. The Manipuri recently decided to move back to the 48kg category after spending four years in 51kg with an eye on the 2020 Olympics.
Talk of her popularity, a film has already been made on her life that starred Priyanka Chopra essaying her character. Also a Rajya Sabha member, Mary Kom has risen in the ranks slowly and steadily. The fact that her efforts have been acknowledged by the world body is itself a boon for wannabe boxers.
Vikas, hailing from Bhiwani in Haryana grabbed a bronze medal in the Olympic qualifying tournament at Baku. Unfortunately, his journey at the Rio Olympics ended at the quarter-final stage. He represented the country at the Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea, where he ended up winning a bronze in the 75 kg category.
Overall, the event was a memorable occasion and with India featuring in it speaks volumes of the stride Indian boxing has made.
(With inputs from PTI)