Mary Kom sets sights on Rio Games

Ace boxing star Mary Kom is gearing up to repeat her success in London Olympics, where she won the Bronze medal, in the forthcoming Rio Olympics.

But to make it to the Rio Games, she will have to first qualify at the upcoming tough round of boxing championship to be held in Kazakhstan next month.

Sharing here journey and her experiences, the boxing star said, “I believe, nothing is impossible if there is focus and dedication to achieve any goal.”

Referring to her humble background, she said, “I come from a simple, poor, lower middle class family and with determination and dedication have made it to the Olympic podium in spite of several hurdles and opposition at home. Before marriage, it was tough to convince my parents and after marriage, it was yet again difficult to convince my husband to pursue boxing career,” she said.

Speaking at a function here today where she was inducted as the Brand Ambassador for the Hyderabad-based hospitality and club chain Country Club Hospitality and Holidays Ltd, Mary Kom said, “It has been a tough fight in life too as I have to take care of three children. My husband, a footballer who played for Mizoram, has been extremely supportive of my passion for boxing. This has given me the flexibility to pursue the sport.”

“My immediate focus is to give my best at Kazakhstan which will enable me to quality for the Rio Games. Once I achieve that I will get bigger laurels for the country,” she says with a sense of confidence and pride.

Rajya Sabha nomination

Asked about being shortlisted by the Centre for nomination to the Rajya Sabha, Mary Kom said, “I never aspired for any position. But will accept with humility any role given to me.”

“Ours is a country where it is difficult for women to pursue a sport like boxing. When I started to take up the game years ago, it was even difficult to imagine a women boxing. But things have changed over the past few years with the government encouraging women to take up a sports like boxing and creating infrastructure,” she explained.

Asked about the proposed academy, Mary Kom said the Boxing academy she was setting up is advanced stage of completion and will be launched later during the year.

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