"Magnificent Mary" Kom will hang up her gloves after Rio Olympics

Mary Kom’s life and career have been nothing short of inspiring

The sorry state of most sports and the under-recognition of women in the country are bitter pills to swallow. Face facts: a large number of athletes eke out a living and woe betide those of the fairer sex.

But through the haze, one beacon is prominent – MC Mary Kom. India’s lone woman Olympic boxing medallist has finally decided to call it a day after the Rio Olympics next year, irrespective of whether she clinches the coveted gold medal she is tirelessly seeking.

Speaking at the 125th foundation day celebrations of the Nepali Girls' Higher Secondary school in Darjeeling, Mary Kom said, “I have achieved so much (in boxing) with God's grace. But my hunger for an Olympic gold medal remains. However, I have made up my mind that I will retire after the Rio Games.”

A specific reason wasn’t stated for her decision, but the five-time amateur world champion implied that the difficulty in balancing her daily training schedule and family obligations was behind it. Said Mary Kom, “Qualifying for the Olympics is very, very tough as there are strong competitors from all over the world. At the moment, I am undergoing intense training to prepare myself physically and mentally to qualify. I remain away from home and family for long periods of time.”

The mother of three and Padma Bhushan awardee has already decided to focus all her attention, post-retirement, on "Mary Kom Regional Boxing Foundation”. The non-profit organisation she and her husband established in 2006 has been nurturing Manipuri boxers from a poor socio-economic background to realise their complete potential.

From a bare-bones outfit to a sprawling 3.30-acre facility at National Games Village, Langol Imphal, the foundation has been churning out many state and national level champions since it was originated.

Ever the consummate role-model, Mary Kom concluded with words of encouragement to the young congregation, saying, “Being a girl, woman and mother, if I can then why can't you?Live and work for your dreams. You must have discipline, dedication and the will power to achieve things in life. There will be many challenges along the way but you must be ready and willing to make sacrifices."