Sharmela punches her way to final gold for Penang

Rose among the thorns: Sharmela Tamil Selvam (left) posing with the other winners for Penang.

SHARMELA Tamil Selvam is one girl you do not want to mess with. The 21-year-old from Penang punched her way to her first Malaysia Games (Sukma) gold medal in girls’ boxing in Sri Aman.

After making her unforgettable entrance to the ring, Sharmela’s confidence showed as she rose above the boisterous local crowd to outscore Sarawakian teenager Clavia Charlene Kenedy 3-2 in the 52kg weight category final to extend Penang boxing team’s celebrations late into the night.