Mary Kom Plans Comeback At Asian Boxing Championships In Nov

It’s time for ‘Magnificent Mary’ to return to the ring again. One of India’s finest athletes, MC Mary Kom is once again is gearing up to make a comeback to the ring at this year's Asian Championship in Vietnam, which is scheduled in November.

"My next target is the Asian Championships in November. I want to give myself a chance to be in the team and give my best and win a medal for India," Mary Kom expressed her determination during the felicitation ceremony of India's Special Olympics contingent, TOI reported.

Also Read: Not ready to hang up her gloves: Remembering Mary Kom’s finest Sporting Moments

The five-time world champion and London Olympics bronze-medallist is one of the celebrated woman boxers in India and across the globe. She has proved her resilience from time to time, even overcoming the last Olympic heartbreak. And, we know that she would not give up before the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Kom had taken temporary retirement after last year's World Championships, but had her eyes firm on her goals.

"I want to give back to the society by giving many more Mary Koms through my academy." - @MangteC #YoungMakers pic.twitter.com/GVDrwEWZ7U

— Newsd (@GetNewsd) September 21, 2016

When asked whether she has any plans to quit boxing, the 34-year-old the Rajya Sabha MP said, "Not yet. I am still doing practice and still continuing to follow my schedule. I am still dreaming for another year (in boxing)."

She added, "I have no plans to turn professional as I still love to play for India."

The boxing champion is preparing for the women's Asian Championships, to be held in Vietnam from November 2 to 12, this year.

Also Read: Mary Kom Tells Her Sons How She Was Molested In A Letter

She is a mother of three from Manipur and an inspiration to many. Last time, we had a candid chat with Kom  at the Young Makers Conclave that was organised by SheThePeople.TV. Her advice to Olympic bronze-medallist Sakshi Malik and to other young women who aspire to be in the sports moved us.

“Women have done India proud in sport and that’s just the beginning,” said Kom, who is the only Indian woman boxer to have qualified for the 2012 Summer Olympics, competing in the flyweight (51 kg) category and winning the bronze medal.

Also Read: Don’t let the bronze change the colour of your heart: Mary Kom to Sakshi Malik

“Most of the girls don’t have a chance or support from family, especially in the North. But when you do, make the most of it,” Mary Kom said adding, “I will appeal to our government to provide us with good coaches besides having made quality infrastructure.”

The Olympic bronze-medallist, who was named as the AIBA brand ambassador during the World Championships earlier this year, has been recently appointed National Observer for boxing by the Government of India to assist in the preparation and implementation of the government's long-term development plan for Olympics.

Talking about her new role, she explained, “Whatever responsibility the government has given me, I will try my level best to perform them. My priority will be to work towards providing immediate facilities and help to all the boxers."

”Magnificent Mary” had also clinched Asian champion trophies multiple times for the country and is known as a five-time world champion.

Along with Kom, air pistol shooter Heena Sidhu and ace shuttler Saina Nehwal, were also present on the occasion and the women in sports urged the Sports Ministry for a better focus on next year's Commonwealth and Asian Games.

India shone at the Special Olympics contingent, where they won 73 medals, including 37 gold, 10 silver and 26 bronze at the just-concluded Special Olympic World Winter Games in Austria.

We wish Mary Kom all the best for the Asian championship in Vietnam and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics!

WATCH Sakshi and Mary Kom from SHE THE PEOPLE on Vimeo.

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