Racing in opposition to time to get match, six-time world champion boxer MC Mary Kom is focusing on the Asian Games 2023 as her swansong within the ring earlier than she is ‘forced’ to retire subsequent yr. The veteran boxer, who had torn her anterior cruciate ligament after twisting her left knee through the Commonwealth Games 2022 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 stated on the unveiling of the Indian staff jersey forward of the ladies’s World Boxing Championship 2023.
“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 principles, the utmost participation age for a boxer is 40 years and the Manipuri will flip 41 in November. “I don’t need to retire in any respect. I need to compete for the following 5 years, however above 40, we are able to’t compete, that’s 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,” Mary Kom stated.
The Asian Games 2023, which had been postponed final yr, are set to be held from September 23 to October 8 this yr. However, to be able 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 check 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 don’t get fit by the Asian Games then I want to compete in any other international competition once,” she stated.
Boxing Federation of India President Ajay Singh stated, “We will fully support her recovery process and her desire to box again and from our side, we will try to give her a wonderful send-off.”
The Asian Games can also be a qualifying occasion for the 2024 Olympics and if Mary wins then she may have earned a quota for the Paris Games the place she won’t be eligible to take part because of her age. “May be the IBA president will allow me to compete (at the Olympics),” she jokingly commented.
Asked if she plans to show professional publish retirement, Mary stated she hasn’t determined but. “Pro is also not easy. But the easy part is in one year there are only two or one competition and the money is more. Amateur and pro are different.”
“MAGNIFICENT MARY” _
The 6__ x World Champion @MangteC additionally joins because the model ambassador of the #WWCHDelhi ___
_ IBA Womens World Boxing Championships
_ fifteenth – twenty sixth March
__ New Delhi@AjaySingh_SG l @debojo_m#itshertime #2daystogo #boxingnews #WorldChampionships pic.twitter.com/vXiMJoOlAW
— Boxing Federation (@BFI_official) March 13, 2023
‘Want 3 medals from India at the World Championship’
The multiple-time World Championship gold medallist won’t compete on this version because of her restoration from the damage however she’s going to function the occasion’s model ambassador alongside Bollywood actor Farhan Akhtar. Having delivered yr after yr, Mary hopes the Indian contingent can bag three gold medals at house.
“I think India will win at least three golds. Since last many years, our girls are performing very well in international championship. This time we are hosting so why not,” stated Mary, who gained gold the earlier two instances India hosted the occasion in 2006 and 2018.
The BFI has introduced hefty prize cash for the match, with the gold medallist set to get $100,000, silver-medal winner $50,000 and bronze medallist $25,000. But Mary warned the boxers to concentrate on their efficiency and never go after the cash.
“You prove yourself in the ring, and money will come to you. If you are money-minded, you may not perform well. Attitude, arrogance and money can affect your training and preparation. Our performance should not suffer,” Mary Kom stated.
