Legendary Indian boxer MC Mary Kom, who remains the only Indian woman pugilist with an Olympic medal, a bronze she claimed at the London 2012 edition of the quadrennial spectacle, reflected on the Indian boxing unit’s forgettable performance at the 2022 edition of the Olympic Games in Paris.
The Indian boxing contingent included some high-profile pugilists including the likes of Nikhat Zareen and Lovlina Borgohain, but returned empty-handed from the games as the boxers representing India could not find a place on the podium.
Mary Kom said she would like to meet with the national federation and sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya to understand the bottleneck.
“We know what the result was, it was so, so bad. I want to know what is lacking,” said Mary Kom.
Mary Kom added that the pugilists were provided all the support they needed to perform at the highest level, but weren’t certain of the training methods used by the Boxing Federation of India.
“I will meet the boxers too if the situation demands. If the sports minister has the knowledge about the issues I want to discuss that also,” she added.
However, Mary Kom expressed that she would rather discuss the issues with the sports minister and the BFI top brass before sharing further opinion on the showing in the French capital city.
“The federation has provided all the coaches. But I have a few doubts as well. But what is the point in saying them now, the Olympics are done. Now there is no point in saying all that, but I want to discuss it with them in the meeting,” he continued.
“The sports minister is doing whatever he can do from his side, infrastructure, facilities or whatever other needs are there. But how did the federation handle the training? Was it done systematically or not? What happened exactly, I do not know,” she added.
“If I do not meet them and not discuss, how will I know about them?”
Mary also asserted that she has the desire to participate in professional boxing
“I have not retired yet but I want to compete. I am trying to get opportunities, waiting for my chance to fight pro. I just want to come back,” the 41-year-old said.
“I can continue for another three to four years, that is my will. I have the passion and hunger. I want to continue,” she added.
She also touched upon the heartbreak star wrestler Vinesh Phogat suffered in the final of her event in Paris, as the 30-year-old was disqualified from the final of the 50Kg freestyle event due to being marginally overweight.
Mary Kom expressed her disappointment in the result but also added that she can’t blame everyone. No stranger to weight cuts herself, Mary Kom added that the onus to remain up to the standards was on the athlete.
“I felt so disappointed in the sense that I have also done the same (weight management) for the last so many years. Weight is important, that is my responsibility. I cannot blame anyone,” she said.
“I do not want to say this in her case. I am saying this in my case only. If I do not cut the weight properly then how will I play? I am there to win a medal and that is what I think,” she added.
