Mumbai, Aug 22
Five-time World boxing champion
M.C. Mary Kom claims she is physically and mentally determined to win
gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics, fulfilling the expectations of her
country.
Mary Kom, the only Indian boxer to have a bio-pic made
on her, also said after her retirement post the Olympics, she wants to
invest her experience in training talented youths to create boxers like
herself.
Mary Kom, who bagged a bronze in the flyweight (51
kilogram) category at the 2012 London Olympics, has already announced
her decision to quit after the Rio mega event.
"I am back to my
normal shape and ready physically and mentally. I am determined to
clinch gold this time and this way I will fulfill the expectation of
millions of people," Mary Kom told IANS in an interview.
"I want
to invest my experience to the budding and talented youth and create
more Mary Kom and champions for the country," the Manipuri said.
The
32-year-old is currently training in Bengaluru to prepare herself for
the 2016 World Championships, the first Olympic qualifying event
scheduled to be held next February.
She said the championships will be very tough contest as contestants around the world will fight to qualify for the Olympics.
"This
championship will decide our fate to reach Olympic podium. This will be
a qualifying round for all boxers around the world towards the long
awaited Rio Olympics 2016. This championship will be very tough
mentally, physically and technically. This will remain a big challenge
for all," Mary said.
After winning bronze at London, Mary Kom
gave birth to a baby. She returned to training last year after a long
gap. She failed to qualify for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in May, but
became the first Indian boxer to win gold at the Asian Games last
October.
Asked how she stayed fit despite taking regular breaks
from training, she said it was because of her determination to return to
the ring.
"It is a miracle that after several cuts, I still am
fit enough to train hard and continue to play this far. All glory to
God, who healed my wounds. It is also partly because of my faith and
strong determination not to give up," Mary Kom said.
She is
seeking help from the government and corporate houses to build a
full-fledged sports complex to train boxers post her retirement.
"I
want to have a full-fledged sports complex with world class facilities,
accommodate 50 boys and 50 girls with residential facilities so that
they can fully concentrate on their training apart from other
responsibilities and demands," she said.
"Also provide them a
cohesive sports environment with all requirements so as to produce
champions for the country in the world's arena. For this, I will require
support from our people, government and corporate sectors."
Mary
Kom also extended her best wishes to fellow Indian boxer and Olympic
middleweight bronze medallist Vijender Singh for turning professional
and hoped he would excel in his new endeavour.
Speaking on the
launch of India's first professional boxing body Indian Boxing Council
(IBC), she said: "I appreciate the formation; may it bring good to the
country and especially to those talented boxers who intend to go pro."
When
asked about the future of boxing in the country, she said updating
training procedures and facilities would facilitate the sport.
"Future
cannot be told. No doubt, we have loads of potentials in us but how we
deal and guide those potentials matter. Competitions are tough now," she
opined.
"We really need to work really hard, study our good
opponents, update our training procedures, systems, techniques,
strategies and facilities."
(Aritra Chowdhury can be contacted at aritra.c@ians.in)
