Rio Olympics a Setback but Not the End of the Road: Mary Kom

Mary Kom’s Rio dreams may have ended, but she isn’t planning to retire just yet.

File photo of Mary Kom. (Photo: MC Mary Kom Facebook)

Mary Kom will not be at Rio, but she will stay in the ring for a while longer. “Yes, it is a big set back for me but I am not retiring yet,” the London Olympic bronze medallist said on Thursday.

I was very keen to be at Rio and I will miss it but this is not end of the world.  Sport is all about ups and downs and I have encountered both in my journey to an Olympic medal. But I know after a tunnel there is always light and I will wait for it rather than sulk in one corner. I also feel sad that now when Olympic Games has opened its doors to pro boxing I will not be there to see the action.

Mary Kom

An official brand ambassador for global boxing, Mary lost in the second round in the recent World Championship. This ousted her from the list of boxers selected for the Rio competition. She has also been denied a wild card for the competition.

Taking a break from boxing, Mary will now focus on her boxing academy in Imphal.

Actually the academy is functioning but I am waiting for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to officially inaugurate it. Prime Minister has agreed to inaugurate it but now it depends when he is free.

Mary Kom

Besides taking care of the academy, Mary is also looking forward to be at home with her three young sons.

All this while I have been out missed my kids growing up. Now I will spend time with them. They keep fighting with me all the time and I am sure this will keep me busy.

Mary Kom