Mary Kom refuses to shake hands with Nikhat Zareen after winning Olympic qualifier trial

New Delhi: After six-time World champion MC Mary Kom defeated pugilist Nikhat Zareen in the women boxing trials of the Olympic Qualifiers on Saturday in New Delhi, the winner refused to shake hands with her opponent.

What can be perceived as lack of sportsmanship from Kom, post-match she spoke to reporters.

"Why should I shake hands with her? If she wants others to respect her then she should first respect others. I don't like people with such nature. Just prove your point inside the ring, not outside," she was quoted as saying by ANI.

Zareen also spoke to the reporters and expressed disappointment at what was apparent. She accused Kom of using foul language against her.

"I did not like how she behaved with me. When the decision was announced, I tried to hug her but she did not hug me back. Being a junior I expect from seniors that they respect us too. But she did not hug me back, I felt hurt but that's ok. I don't mind," Nikhat told reporters at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium complex.

The boxer from Manipur defeated Zareen in the 51 kg category.

Mary Kom will now represent India in the Tokyo Olympic Qualifiers to be held in China in February.

Zareen, who had previously won the gold medal at Strandja Memorial tournament in Sofia, Bulgaria. advanced to the 51 kg category after defeating Jyoti Gulia.

She had earlier courted controversy when she demanded a fair Olympic selection trial against Mary Kom.

In an earlier interview with The Sentinel, Zareen, while she was in Guwahati, had said, "I believe in myself. I am ready to take Mary on the ring and will try my best to win the bout.”

Also Read: Boxing trials : And the winner is…Mary Kom; Nikhat Zareen defeated in final bout

Also Watch: RD Junior College Students Stage Massive Protest against CAB