Barack Obama hails Magnificent Mary Kom
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Agencies

New Delhi, January 27 2015: US President Barack Obama on Tuesday hailed two Indian sportspersons � Mary Kom and Milkha Singh� during the town hall meet at Siri Fort auditorium.

"India takes pride in people like Milkha Singh, Mary Kom, Kailash Satyarthi, no dearth of talent in India," said Obama, while talking about various important issues between the two nations.

Milkha and Mary are household names in India.

Mary is a five-time World Amateur Boxing champion and the only Indian woman boxer to win a Olympic medal (Bronze in London in 2012) .

Milkha, also known as The Flying Sikh, is a former Indian track and field sprinter who won gold medals in the 1958 and 1962 Asian Games.

Obama also met Noble laureate Kailash Satyarthi during the event.

Mary Kom at Imphal Airport in May 22 2012 :: Pix - W Rishikesh

Mary Kom grateful .

Pleasantly surprised after Barack Obama took her name while talking about Indian achievers, celebrated Indian woman boxer M C Mary Kom on Tuesday said it felt proud to be acknowledged by the US President.

Mary Kom, who is in the city to promote Tourism Authority of Thailand after being named the Thai Boxing ambassador, said she never expected the mention from the leader.

"I am thankful to him for mentioning my name.

He acknowledged my performances over the years.

It was surprising because he could have taken anybody's name.

I am feeling very proud," the five-time world champion and the reigning Asian Games gold-medallist, decked in a traditional Thai outfit, said.

"If I meet him ever, I will definitely thank him because it is very encouraging," she added with a grin.

The mother-of-three from Manipur, who is currently on road to recovery from a shoulder injury, said she has already started training but has not yet decided on a comeback tournament.

"I am training but as of now, I haven't decided on which tournament to compete because I want to wait for a tournament which would test me.

I would like to be part of a tough draw," she said.

Talking about her new association with Thailand Tourism, Mary Kom said she felt humbled at being given the role.

"I myself went on a holiday to Thailand recently and I loved the experience.

I am thankful to them for making me the brand ambassador," she said.

On being asked whether she has tried her hand at Thai Boxing, which involves the use of the knees and elbows as well, Mary Kom said she would recommend the sport for women in India.