Mary Kom Desires Asian Games To Be Her Swansong, Says ‘I’ll Be Compelled To Retire Subsequent 12 months’

Racing in opposition to time to get match, six-time world champion boxer MC Mary Kom is focusing on the Asian Games as her swansong within the ring earlier than she is “forced” to retire subsequent yr. The veteran pugilist, who had torn her anterior cruciate ligament after twisting her left knee through the Commonwealth Games choice trials final yr, underwent a reconstructive surgical procedure to restore the ACL tear in August. “What happened during the Commonwealth Games trials was very unfortunate. I suffered a major injury and I had to undergo a surgery,” Mary mentioned on the unveiling of the Indian crew jersey forward of the ladies’s World Championship.

“I’m trying to come back soon. Because I have only this year, next year I’ll be forced to retire. So this year I want to compete in any competition before the retirement.” According to the foundations, the utmost participation age for a boxer is 40 years and the Manipuri will flip 41 in November.

“I don’t want to retire at all. I want to compete for the next five years, but above 40, we can’t compete, that is the rule.” “My main (target) is the Asian Games, hopefully I will recover by then. I will have time for preparation also. It is my dream to compete once this year before retirement.” The Asian Games, which have been postponed final yr, are set to be held from September 23 to October 8 this yr.

However, so as to be chosen for the marquee-event, the London Olympics bronze medallist must undergo the brand new choice course of, which requires a boxer to undergo an analysis take a look at within the nationwide camp.

“My recovery is going very well. Very soon I’ll be able to run and train. I’m trying my level best. If I’m able to compete then I will try to beat the boxers to get selection.

“But if I do not get match by the Asian Games then I wish to compete in another worldwide competitors as soon as.” Boxing Federation of India President Ajay Singh said, “We will totally assist her restoration course of and her want to field once more and from our aspect, we’ll attempt to give her an exquisite send-off.” The Asian Games is also a qualifying event for the 2024 Olympics and if Mary wins then she will have earned a quota for the Paris Games where she will not be eligible to participate due to her age.

“May be the IBA president will enable me to compete (on the Olympics),” she jokingly commented.

Asked if she plans to turn pro post retirement, Mary said she hasn’t decided yet.

“Pro can also be not straightforward. But the straightforward half is in a single yr there are solely two or one competitors and the cash is extra. Amateur and professional are completely different.”

The multiple-time World Championship gold medallist will not compete in this edition due to her recovery from the injury but she will serve as the event’s brand ambassador alongside Bollywood actor Farhan Akhtar.

Having delivered year after year, Mary hopes the Indian contingent can bag three gold medals at home.

“I believe India will win not less than three golds. Since final a few years, our women are performing very properly in worldwide championship. This time we’re internet hosting so why not,” said Mary, who won gold the previous two times India hosted the event in 2006 and 2018.

The BFI has announced hefty prize money for the tournament, with the gold medallist set to get USD 100,000, silver-medal winner USD 50,000 and bronze medallist USD 25,000.

But Mary warned the boxers to focus on their performance and not go after the money.

“You show your self within the ring, and cash will come to you. If you’re money-minded, it’s possible you’ll not carry out properly. Attitude, vanity and cash can have an effect on your coaching and preparation. Our efficiency mustn’t undergo.”

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