This is a birthday gift for my boys: Mary Kom

MC Mary Kom, who pulled off an emphatic 19-14 victory over her fancied rival Michalczuk of Poland in the 51 kg bantamweight event, dedicated her victory to her twins who celebrate their birthday today. “I am missing their birthday for the first time,’’ said the Indian pugilist, sweat streaming down her face, shortly after the bout, “but I’m sure they will not mind it when they know what I have been doing.’’ [caption id=“attachment_405878” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Mary Kom, who has moved into the quarter-final of the event, said that the bout was not as easy as the scores may suggest. AP[/caption] The 29-year-old who is employed in the Manipur police and been adopted by Olympic Gold Quest, said that she had received great support from her village and state back home. “I have received countless calls of encouragement and several people have gone on fast to wish me well in the Olympics.’’ Mary Kom, who has moved into the quarter-final of the event, said that the bout was not as easy as the scores may suggest. “The third round was tough as she fought back well,’’ she said of her rival. There was some controversy when her coach, American Charles Atkinson was not allowed to stay with her at the Olympic village or be in her corner during bouts. Before coming to London a couple of days back, she was training with Atkinson at Liverpool. She now meets Tunisian Rahali Maroua in the quarter-finals scheduled for Monday.