The past few months under the lock down in the novel Coronavirus pandemic has been a very unusual phase in the lives of athletes. Self isolated in their homes, away from their natural habitat was a new experience for many, and a number of sportspersons resorted to self training and exercising to keep their form up even during the lock down. The story is same even for the country’s boxing icon MC Mary Kom. However, the atmosphere away from the training facilities brings forth new obstacles, and for the her, it was the absence of a sparring partner.
For boxers, drills with a sparring partner is a vital part of their training regime. Unfortunately for Mary, neither her footballer husband Karung Onkholer Kom, nor their three little boys are fit enough for the role.
While regular exercises and workout sessions have been a part of the Olympic bronze medallist’s life for the past months, not having a boxing partner was the biggest obstacle Mary felt, as she spoke to Time of India.
Every boxer would definitely say yes,” Mary acknowledged the lack of a sparring partner for training. “Sparring is an integral part of boxing, where we apply our learning, thoughts and counter. It’s definitely been a problem.”
“This time of pandemic is challenging for all of us in different ways. It has been the same for me and my family. We have to embrace this time, which was never expected and deal with it,” the 37 year old answered when asked about how difficult the lock down period was.
Although Mary added that the postponement of the Tokyo Olympic to next year has disrupted her plans, but the extra time she would be getting to prepare in the future has been beneficial.
“I can’t call it better, but am accepting the fact that it does give me much more time to be well prepared to take on the best in the world,” Mary went on, “Now let’s hope things become normal soon and we can all start preparing.”
In addition to that, the lock down has not been all dull for the pugilist, as she opened up about the quality time Mary has been spending with her family.
She continued, “My children got to eat more than they normally do on other days as I love preparing various recipes and snacks. I play, dance, and sing with my children,”
“I am also training daily at home, doing my regular fitness exercises.” Mary added.
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