Indo-Asian News Service
Mumbai, August 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.
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 as contestants around the world will fight to qualify for the Olympics.
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,” she added.
She is seeking help from the government and corporate houses to build a full-fledged sports complex to train boxers post her retirement. When asked about the future of boxing in the country, she said updating training procedures and facilities would facilitate the sport. “We really need to work really hard, study our good opponents, update our training procedures, systems, techniques, strategies and facilities.” She signed off.