When MC Mary Kom started her Olympic campaign on Sunday, she was not the only woman boxer of Indian origin in the fray. Siona Fernandes is also vying for top honours in the same weight category — 51kg.
The only difference is that Siona is representing New Zealand.
Siona, who was born in Goa, shifted base to Auckland when her parents migrated in 2007. It was in New Zealand that the former Bharatnatyam dancer picked up the sport and got a place in the Olympic squad.
Siona is not the only expatriate Indian player at the Olympics. Rajiv Ouseph and Arjan Bhullar are also a part of the world’s biggest sporting event.
England’s No 1 badminton player Ouseph 26, is a part of the host nation’s contingent, but couldn’t make headway in his event. The first player to win the England National Badminton championship four times in a row (2008 to 2011), Ouseph was also part of the England team for the 2010 Commonwealth Games at Delhi.
A first
Bhullar, who won gold in the 120kg freestyle wrestling event at the 2010 CWG, will be competing in his first Olympics. He is the first Canadian of South Asian descent to qualify for freestyle wrestling at the Olympics.
A first
Bhullar, who won gold in the 120kg freestyle wrestling event at the 2010 CWG, will be competing in his first Olympics. He is the first Canadian of South Asian descent to qualify for freestyle wrestling at the Olympics.
His father, Avtar Singh, is a former national-level wrestler and it is because of him that Bhullar took up the sport.
“Arjan is living my dream of competing in the Olympics and I am hopeful of a good show at the Games,” said Avtar Singh, whose family has roots in Punjab.