All athletes must undergo selection trials, says Malleswari

Olympic bronze medallist weightlifter Karnam Malleswari

on Thursday steered clear of the boxing selection trial controversy involving Nikhat Zareen but said all athletes should be ready for such a contest to be selected for marquee events.

Malleswari's comments came days after Nikhat demanded a fair Tokyo Olympics selection trial from the Boxing Federation of India (BFI).

With three spots already sealed for the Olympic trials, Nikhat's chances of securing the final place had depended on how she performed against the celebrated MC Mary Kom in the Indian Boxing League. But the bout was later cancelled.

According to Nikhat, the BFI had assured her the fourth and final spot for the selection trial if she fares well against Mary Kom in the IBL.

Malleswari, a 2000 Sydney Olympics bronze winner in women's 69kg, gave a guarded reply when asked about the boxing matter.

"All athletes should give trials. Every player, be it senior or junior, has to compete (in the trial). Only when they do well,