Monday, Jun 27, 2022

Mary Kom lacked accuracy in punches: Former coach Chiranjeevi

By Shiva Krishna Gundra

Published: Published Date - 07:57 PM, Thu - 29 July 21

Tokyo: India's Mary Kom reacts after she lost her bout to Ingrit Valencia of Columbia via split decision, in women's Fly (48-51kg) You hit and move, you don’t stand after throwing a punch as that leaves you close to your opponent. We teach that first to trainees, he said.

Hyderabad: Former National boxing team coach Emani Chiranjeevi attributed six-time world champion Mary Kom’s loss in the closely-fought bout against Colombia’s Ingrit Valencia on Thursday to lack of accuracy in her punches.

“I felt she didn’t box at all today. Whatever punches she was throwing were round-arm punches. She was not using her footwork while throwing the punches. You hit and move, you don’t stand after throwing a punch as that leaves you close to your opponent. We teach that first to trainees,” he said.

He, however, said that the age was not a factor for her loss. “I don’t think so. Age is not on her side naturally. But that is not the reason. She has a lot of experience on her side. She has all physical abilities. But there was no accuracy in punches. Strength, speed, endurance and flexibility are very crucial in boxing and they need to be used appropriately. Her footwork was not good. She hasn’t used her experience well,” he detailed.

“Having knowledge is one thing and knowing how to use it during the bout makes a lot of difference. You have to judge the distance and measure the opponent’s punches,” he further elaborated.

Meanwhile, another veteran boxing coach Omkar Yadav said it was a big disappointment as the whole nation was expecting a medal from the legendary boxer. “It was a close match. Mary Kom had defeated the same opponent previously on many occasions. But today, the opponent (Valencia) had a slight edge. The result is a big disappointment.”