Olympic Boxing: Mary Kom Wins a Historic Bronze

London: India's M.C. Mary Kom scripted history by becoming the country's first woman boxer to win a medal at the Olympics when she finished with a bronze in the 51kg event at the London Games Wednesday.

Mary Kom, who had been assured of the bronze Monday itself when she reached the semi-finals, could not proceed further, going down fighting in her pre-summit bout against local favourite Nicola Adams.

Losing 6-11, Mary Kom became only the second Indian boxer after Vijender Singh to win an Olympic medal. Vijender got a bronze in Beijing fours years ago.

Buoyed by the presence of British Prime Minister David Cameron and star professional boxer Amir Khan, second-seed Nicola put up a flawless performance.

From the start, Mary Kom struggled to cope up with the Briton's speed. She came under pressure in the first round, having to fend off Nicola's powerful punches.

A couple of times the 29-year-old Indian, a mother of twins, was pinned in the corner and took some major blows, losing the first round 1-3.