Indian sporting legend M.C. Mary Kom (48kg) clinched an unprecedented fifth gold medal but Sonia Lather (57kg) settled for silver at the Asian Confederation women’s boxing championships here on Wednesday.
India signed off with a gold, a silver and five bronze medals at the continental showpiece.
However, world championship silver-medallist Sonia Lathar had to be content with a runner-up finish for the second time at this event. After she went down in a split verdict to China’s Yin Junhua in the final of the 57kg category.
The five-time World champion and Olympic bronze-medallist prevailed in a unanimous 5-0 verdict to add another medal to her already crowded cabinet.
In Hyang Mi, the 35-year-old Manipuri found her most aggressive opponent so far in the tournament but she was up for the task.
India had won six medals at the previous edition of championship in 2015 but that had not included a gold.
Sonia also fought a draining bout and was at par with her rival in power, precision and pace.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore tweeted their congratulations to Mary Kom.
“Congratulations Mary Kom for clinching the gold at the ASBC Asian Confederation Women’s Boxing Championships. India is elated at your accomplishment. @MangteC,” the Prime Minister tweeted.