Kolkata: Five-time World Boxing Champion and 2012 London Olympics bronze medalist woman boxer MC Mary Kom is eyeing a massive comeback to the ring at this year’s Asian championship in Vietnam before deciding her future course of action. The Rajya Sabha MP, has not competed since last year’s World Championships. The boxer from Manipur has ruled out retirement for the time being but has decided to set herself short-term goals to make sure her comeback is successful.
When asked as to when she plans to quit boxing, the 34 year old Kom said, “Not yet. I am still doing practice and still continuing to follow my schedule. I am still dreaming for another year (in boxing). My next target is Asian Championships in November. I want to give myself a chance to be in the team and give my best and win a medal for India,” she said on the sidelines of the felicitation ceremony of India’s Special Olympics contingent. The Indian Special Olympics contingent did the nation proud by winning a total of 73 medals, including 37 gold, 10 silver and 26 bronze medals at the recently concluded Special Olympic World Winter Games in Austria. When asked if she plans on turning professional, Mary like before ruled out the prospect, “I have no plans to turn professional as I still love to play for India.”
The women’s Asian Championships are scheduled to be held in Vietnam from November 2 to 12 later this year. Kom was recently appointed National Observer for boxing by the Government of India to assist in the preparation and implementation of the government’s long term development plan for Olympics.
When asked about her new role, she said, “Whatever responsibility the government has given me, I will try my level best to perform them. My priority will be to work towards providing immediate facilities and help to all the boxers.”
(With inputs from PTI)