Indian boxing legend MC Mary Kom will begin her Tokyo 2020 Olympics journey with a Round of 32 bout in the women’s 51kg category against Dominican Republic’s Miguelina Hernandez.

The draw comes across as a tough one for the veteran Indian pugilist considering the fact that she will face Colombia’s Ingrit Valencia, who was the bronze medal winner at the Rio 2016 Olympics, if Kom reaches the Round of 16.

Beyond Ingrit lies a bigger challenge as the Indian boxing legend will meet second seed Yuan Chang of China, who won the Olympic Boxing Qualifiers held in Jordan last year, should she get past the Colombian.

However, despite being handed a tough draw, it’s premature to rule out Mary Kom’s chances of a podium finish as she has overcome the odds for most of her career.

Mary Kom’s bronze in 2012 at the London Olympics was a test of true character as women’s boxing made its debut at the Games and she was the only female Indian boxer to make the cut. 

Even though she had to move up a weight category to fight in the 51kg (flyweight) category, Kom still succeeded in bringing home an Olympic bronze.

The 38-year-old has achieved plenty of success and won several accolades during the course of her illustrious career.

A six-time World Champion, Kom has won gold medals at the Asian Games, Asian Championships and the Commonwealth Games. 

However, the one medal that has eluded her so far is an Olympic gold and needless to say, it’s what keeps her motivated and hungry to continue fighting in the ring.

“An Olympic gold is my biggest motivation.” she told the Times of India when asked about the biggest motivational factor in the twilight of her career.

Winning an Olympic gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 will be the perfect swansong befitting an illustrious career and her quest for Olympic glory will begin on Sunday July 25.

Where to watch the Mary Kom’s Round of 32 Boxing event at Tokyo 2020 live in India?

Mary Kom will be in action at 1:30 PM on July 25 in the women’s 51kg boxing event at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the match will be telecast on Sony Sports Network channels in India.

Live streaming of boxing at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics will be available on the Sony Liv and website.

Live broadcast subject to Sony Sports Network.

Featured photo : Mary Kom / Instagram