I am not turning professional: Mary Kom
Source: The Sangai Express / Press Trust of India

Kolkata, July 05 2015 : Olympics bronze-medallist pugilist Vijender Singh might have turned professional but Indian woman boxing icon MC Mary Kom on Sunday said she's not turning pro and would concentrate on her academy post retirement after Rio Olympics 2016 .

"As for me, I'm not turning pro.

I've already announced that this (Rio 2016) would be my last Olympics and I would call it quits after this," the Olympic bronze medalist told reporters on Sunday.

The 32-year-old Mary Kom said she would focus on winning another medal for India before calling it quits in 2016 .

Mary Kom

"I'm looking forward to bag another medal and do the country proud.

My preparation is going on very well for the Rio Olympics.

After Olympics, my focus is on training kids back home and I'll concentrate on my academy.

I want India win more medals in boxing and that's why my target is to train youngsters in my academy.

I want to share my experience with them," the Manipuri boxer added.

Vijender's move created a lot of controversy as it was deemed to be selfish and against the interests of his country.

But Mary said Vijender has the right to decide on his future.

"Vijender turning pro is his decision...

he has after all won so many medals for the country.

I respect whatever he is doing," she said.

Mary Kom, on whom a biopic has been made in Bollywood, asked the government to start a self-defence course for women in schools and colleges in the wake of violence against them.

"I'm deeply disturbed by the violence and atrocities committed against women all over the country.

Over the last few years, there has been a significant rise in violence and atrocities on women.

It's very disturbing to hear all these things when I'm in practice" .

"The schools and the universities, especially those under the Government, must start self defence courses like boxing, karate to empower women," she said.