Legendary Indian boxer MC Mary Kom has expressed her intentions of continuing boxing despite accepting the prestigious Rajya Sabha nomination earlier this year. The Manipur-born star has had a rather dismal 2016 after she lost the World Championship and failed to qualify for the Rio Olympics. But she is rearing to get back in the ring and silence her critics once and for all.
Kom stated that she would continue boxing for another three to four years with her focus specifically on the upcoming Asian and Commonwealth games in 2018 before she starts preparing for the Tokyo Olympics.
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She was particularly hopeful about the fact that she could now go back to her natural light flyweight 48 kg division category after hearing speculations that the International Boxing Association (AIBA) could include it as a category in the 2020 Olympics.
"I am attending the national camp at IG Stadium. I just want to continue for another three-four years. If 48kg is included in 2020 Olympic Games, I will give it a shot and try to win a gold medal for my country," Mary Kom said while talking to Firstpost.
The Indian was extremely disappointed with being out of the sport for a while but she has now stated that she is looking forward to a return.
"I have started training and though I could not participate in the boxing nationals due to the Parliament session, I want to represent India in international competitions. 2018 Asian Games, Commonwealth Games are main my focus and I will also look to compete in other official international competitions," she added.
She was also positive about the support that young boxers have been receiving both financially and mentally. This will not only help the sport excel at the global level but also motivate more individuals especially women to take up the sport.
The 33-year-old was delighted after Mary Kom Regional Boxing Federation (MKRBF) entered into an agreement with Petroleum Sports Promotion Board (PSPB). The partnership will work towards assisting and preparing boxers for national and international tournaments.
This, she believes, will raise the level of the sport in the country, "Women boxing is becoming more popular. I just want to give back to my sport and my nation. To produce more champions from my academy, that is my dream. I have gyms and outdoor rings to train the underprivileged youngsters,” Mary Kom stated.
Mary, who is a mother of three, will be honoured with the AIBA legend award at a special event on December 20, 2016, for her outstanding contribution to the sport.
