New Delhi: Having created history by claiming a record sixth title at the women’s World Championships, boxer M C Mary Kom is determined to fulfill her lifelong dream by winning a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
“It has been my dream to win gold at Olympics ever since I started boxing. I have overcome many challenges in my life to become a World Champion. I have already won gold medals at Asian Games, CWG and multiple other medals in other world championships but now my vision is set at winning the gold medal at Olympics,” Mary Kom told this agency.
There has been speculation that boxing may not feature at the 2020 Tokyo Games since the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is reportedly unhappy with the way the sport is being run by the International Boxing Association (AIBA).
Mary however, brushed aside such concerns. “For the last two years, we have received immense support from BSI, SAI and the ministry. We have full faith in them and are sure that all the three bodies clubbed with AIBA will make the right decision for boxing,” the Manipuri icon asserted.
However, the mother of three fought in her original 48 kg category after a considerable gap since she was concentrating on the 51kg division as it is the lowest category at the Olympics.
“For the last three years, I was fighting under the 51Kg category and it was only during this World Championship that I returned to my (48kg) category. It was a new experience as I fought against new opponents,” she added.
“This World Championship gave me a chance to assess the strengths and weaknesses of opponents in the 48 Kg category which I had lost track of since the past few years. Overall, it was a great experience.”
It is known to everyone that the struggles Mary had to face both on and off the field to be at this level – winning six world titles and an Olympic medal that too in different weight categories. But Mary has performed it with consummate ease throughout her illustrious career.
“After competing in both 51Kg and 48Kg, I have learnt that the best way to beat the weight challenge is to know and understand the game of your opponents as everyone has a different style and technique. As per my opponents game, I plan my game,” she said.
The 35-year-old also asserted that better infrastructure and financial support is essential to improve India’s performance in the sport at the world level.
“Indian sportspeople have huge potential and talent but many sportspeople are not able to start competing while young due to the lack of sporting infrastructure, except perhaps in a few metros,” she said.
“But now that seems to be changing, substantial cash incentives for winning performances, besides subsidies for coaches, trainers and dieticians are all being involved in the preparation of athletes.”