Champ Mary Kom to spread Her Wings
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M.C. Mary Kom’s punches and jabs have knocked more than just the living daylights out of her opponents, the success of the 27-year-old pugilist has also busted more than a few myths about Indian women athletes.
As she guns for a fifth boxing world title, she has taken time out to help rookies walk down the road less travelled and aid newbies emulate her feats by inducting them into a boxing academy she has set up in Imphal with a helping hand from the Indian Army and the Central Reserve Police Force. She currently has 17 girls under her wing.
“I started the academy in 2007 but it has become more active now. The army gave me equipment worth Rs 5 lakhs while the CRPF also chipped in with equipment worth Rs 4 lakhs,” she said on the sidelines of a press conference to announce her association with nutritional supplements brand Herbalife.
Kom, a brand ambassador for the New Delhi Commonwealth Games, was disappointed that there is no women’s event for her to win a medal at the Oct 3-14 Games. She has her eyes set on the London Olympics in 2012, the only piece of metal missing from her medal showcase, which has world and Asian medals.
“We could have won so many medals in women’s boxing had the event been included in the New Delhi Games. I am disappointed that I will not be boxing when India is hosting the event.
“I have achieved almost all a woman boxer can think of, except an Olympic medal. I am confident I will be able to grab one at the London Games.”
Kom added she is looking forward to the world championships in September and the Asian Games in November. “I have been training hard and since I will compete in the light flyweight (48kg), I will have to bulk up a bit for which I will take nutritional supplements,” she said.
Kom once again advocated the appointment of a foreign coach for the boxers. “New ideas are always welcome. A foreign coach will bring a fresh perspective. It would be good for our preparations for the Asian Games where women’s boxing will be featured for the first time,” she said.
Asked about the controversy surrounding the harassment of athletes by federation officials. “Boxing is a sport which can come in handy for self defence. It has helped me.” Kom said, amid peals of laughter.
The road to success has not been easy for Mary. She took to boxing in 2000 and had to overcome quite a few hurdles before being accepted as a true champion.
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