Six-time world champion boxer MC Mary Kom does not have much time to regain full fitness as she eyes the Asian Games to bid adieu to boxing. Mary Kom will be ‘forced’ to retire next year. The veteran boxer ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) after he twisted his left knee during the Commonwealth Games selection trials last year and had to undergo surgery in August.
Speaking at the unveiling of the Indian team’s jersey ahead of the Women’s World Championship, Mary Kom said, “What happened during the Commonwealth Games trials was very unfortunate. I suffered a major injury and had to undergo surgery.” “I am trying to come back soon as I have only this year, next year I will be forced to retire. So this year I want to participate in any competition before retirement.
As per the rules, the maximum age of participation for a boxer is 40 years and the Manipur pugilist will turn 41 in November. Mary Kom said, “I don’t want to retire. I want to compete for the next five years but above the age of 40 we can’t compete, that’s the rule.” “My main target is the Asian Games, hopefully I will be fine by then. I will also have time to prepare. It is my dream to compete once this year before I retire. The Asian Games, which were postponed last year, are to be held from September 23 to October 8 this year.
London Olympics bronze medalist Mary Kom will have to go through a new selection process for selection in the prestigious event, which will require boxers to undergo an evaluation test at the national camp. He said, “My recovery is going very well. Very soon I will be able to run and train. I am trying my level best. If I am able to compete, I will try to beat boxers for selection.”
Mary Kom said, “But if I am not fit for the Asian Games, I want to participate in some other international competition once.” The Asian Games is also a qualifying event for the 2024 Olympics and if Mary Kom wins, she will There will be a quota for the Paris Games where she will not be eligible to participate due to her age. “Maybe the IBA president will allow me to compete (at the Olympics),” he joked.
Asked if she plans to turn professional after retirement, Mary Kom said she has not decided yet. He said, “Professional boxing is also not easy. But the easy thing is that there are only two or so contests a year and the money is high. Amateurs and professionals are different.” Mary Kom will not compete in the World Championships but will act as the brand ambassador of the event along with Bollywood actor Farhan Akhtar.
Mary Kom is hopeful that the Indian team can win three gold medals at home. Mary Kom, who won gold during India’s hosting of the event in 2006 and 2018, said, “I think India will win at least three golds.” For the past several years our girls have been doing very well in international championships. This time we are hosting so why not.” The medal winner will be given 25 JAR US dollars.
