Mary Kom will compete in the pre-quarterfinals of the Tokyo Olympics in 2020

M C Mary Kom (51kg), a six-time world champion, advanced to the Olympic Games’ pre-quarterfinals after overcoming a stiff challenge from Dominican Republic’s Miguelina Hernandez Garcia in the first round here on Sunday.

The 38-year-old Olympic bronze medalist from 2012 won 4-1 against a competitor 15 years her junior and a Pan American Games bronze medalist.

Mary Kom used some brilliant tactics to overcome Garcia’s spirited fight in a bout that was exciting from start to finish.

If she held back in the first round to get a feel for her opponent, the veteran was all aggression in the final three minutes after Garcia won the second round with some fierce punching of her own.

Mary Kom’s trusted right hook served her well throughout the fight, and she also demonstrated a sharp mind by forcing Garcia to lunge at her, allowing the Indian to land clean punches.

The Dominican teen had the guts to fight, but she was undone by her inability to strike clearly.

Mary Kom, a mother of four, will face third-seeded Colombian medalist Ingrit Valencia, a bronze medalist at the 2016 Rio Olympics.