Ace Indian boxer Mary Kom to retire after Rio Olympics: Report
Source: The Sangai Express / Agencies
New Delhi, September 30 2015:
Ace Indian boxer Mary Kom has finally decided to hang up her boots post the Rio Olympics 2016 .
According to a DNA report, the 32-year-old boxer said it was the right time to quit boxing although winning a gold medal at Olympics remains her dream.
"I have achieved so much (in boxing) with God's grace.
But my hunger for an Olympic gold medal remains.
However, I have made up my mind that I will retire after the Rio Games," said the five-time amateur world boxing champion on Monday.
The veteran pugilist hinted that she was finding it hard to balance her daily training schedules and family responsibilities.
"Qualifying for the Olympics is very, very tough as there are strong competitors from all over the world.
At the moment I am undergoing intense training to prepare myself physically and mentally to qualify.
I remain away from home and family for long periods of time," said the Olympic bronze medalist and mother of three.
Mary also said that after retiring, she would devote all her time to the "Mary Kom Regional Boxing Foundation" that was set up in 2006 .
Don't compare me with Pinky Jangra: Mary Kom : Ace Indian pugilist Mary Kom urged everyone to stop comparing her with the Haryana boxer Pinky Jangra.
"Why do people keep comparing me with Pinky Jangra? Mujhe kyun baar baar beech mein laate ho? This is not good.
Write about her performance.
Why do you keep involving me? I don't like it.
I feel very shattered," London Olympics bronze medalist told Times of India.
"Do you want us to be enemies? I have proven myself in boxing.
When I read or hear stuff such as who is the strongest, anybody can be strong.
All this gets on my nerves," added Kom.
A few days back the Manipuri boxer had stated that there is a regional bias against her selection and trials.
She had also alleged that Haryana's Pinky is being repeatedly favoured by the selectors.
Interestingly, the five-time world amateur boxing champion was dropped from the Indian contingent at the Commonwealth Games in 2014 as Jangra was chosen in her place.