Mary Kom : “2021 Olympics is my chance to change the colour of the medal”

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Having scaled many a peak in her illustrious career, Mary Kom still wants to win the Olympic gold for her country. With the national camp for Olympic-bound boxers delayed, the six-time World Champion is using this period to spend time with family and work on fitness.

On her initial reaction about Covid-19

“We were in Italy for training when we first got to know about it. Covid-19 had reached Italy, and it scared us. We left Italy because health is more important. We came to Jordan because they shifted the event from Wuhan. We concentrated on qualifying and we have qualified, which is a relief. The way people were reacting in Italy, I was sure we won’t be able to go out of our houses before we find any vaccine.”

On her fitness routine during the lockdown

“I don’t skip fitness a single day. I have got a routine from the coach and I try to stick to it as much as possible. The problem is, I don’t have too much equipment at home. I am doing as much as I can with whatever few equipments I have. I play badminton with my husband because doing the same training every day gets boring.”

On the Mary Kom Academy being closed

“The moment we heard about Covid-19 we sent all our kids home and closed the academy. I don’t want to take any risk of the kids’ health. People from my academy are in constant touch with the kids and are giving them online classes. I hope this gets over quickly.”

Pic – Google Images

On the growth of women boxers in the country

“In 2012, I was the only one from our country. In Rio, nobody represented our country, but in 2021 4 women have qualified. This is all thanks to the Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju and the BFI president Ajay Singh. I haven’t got the chance to interact with too many girls, but I have noticed some of them are good and will get better with experience. In boxing, experience, strength and willpower make a champion. I can share my experience to help the junior girls to grow. A lot of girls have attitude and ego problems, so they don’t want to come to me. I am always open to helping them.”

On her chances in 2021 Olympics

“When I went to the London Olympics, I had two years of experience of fighting in the flyweight (51 kg) category. Now I am more experienced, more motivated and more positive about my chances. If I can stay 100-110% fit, then I can win a medal for the country. 2021 Olympics is my chance to change the colour of the medal. I want to make my country proud.”