New Delhi: It was a different kind of a boxing bout and involved two Olympic medallists, one an accomplished boxer, the other a former shooter and current union minister.

Five-time boxing world champion Mary Kom and sports minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore enjoyed a friendly bout outside the boxing ring and the one-minute video was shared by both on Twitter.

The 35-year-old Mary, who won bronze at 2012 London Olympics, thanked Rathore for the support and the encouragement to the Indian boxers ahead of the World Championships set to take place in New Delhi from November 15 to 24. 

"Seeing is believing. Thank you Hon’ble @Ra_THORe ji for all the supports and encouragement’s. #PunchMeinHainDum @BFI_official @Media_SAI @IndiaSports (sic)," Mary first tweeted on Thursday afternoon.

Later, in the night, Rathore tweeted praising Mary for being "incredibly fit" and "prodigiously skilled" and shared the same video.

"A fun, friendly bout with the spirited @MangteC earlier today. She is incredibly fit and prodigiously skilled, and I wish her ALL THE BEST for the upcoming Women's #WorldBoxingChampionship! (sic)," Rathore, who won a shooting silver at 2004 Athens Olympics, wrote.

In another tweet, he wrote, "Had a fabulous time with our team training for Women's #WorldBoxingChampionship. The tournament is taking place in India for the first time since 2006, and our champs are ready! Let's ensure maximum home ground support for our girls! (sic)."