IOC denies Mary Kom wild card entry into Rio Olympics

She did the country proud by winning a bronze at the 2012 Summer Olympic games in London, but Mary Kom's Rio Olympic dream will remain unfulfilled as news came in that the boxer has been denied a wildcard entry by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The confirmation directly came from the Chairman of AIBA ad-hoc committee Kishan Narsi on Thursday. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the ad-hoc committee administering boxing in the country were officially trying for a wildcard entry for the five-time world champion,  but failed to make the cut for her.

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“I have been duly informed that I won’t be getting a wildcard for the Olympics. It is heartbreaking but it is something which I had no control over. I have to accept this decision but I am not quitting the sport right now. I will continue to compete till I am feeling fit and I think I am fit,” Mary Kom told PTI, reported by The Hindu.

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Mary Kom had two chances to make it to Rio - the Asian Zone Qualifiers held in March, where she lost in the semi-finals and then last month at World Championships, which was the last qualifying tournament for the Olympic Games, where she exited in the second round. Post that defeat,  the ad-hoc committee, headed by Kishen Narsi, had written to AIBA requesting for what is officially called a Tripartite Commission Invitation Place. Now with the IOC having denied this request, this will no doubt be a huge disappointment for her as well as her fans.

Feature Image Credit: India.com