She loves Hyderabadi biryani and has fond memories of her last two visits to the city having won a medal in the 2002 National Games. And now, Mary C. Kom, London Olympics bronze medallist in boxing, says that she is keen to set up an academy in the city if everything goes well.
Responding to the felicitations put up by Incredible India Projects which gifted a 240-square yard plot in the Sparrow Shore project near Shamshabad, Mary Kom said she was already planning one academy in Manipur. “But I don’t mind setting up another one here as I want everyone to bring laurels at the highest level,” she said amidst applause.
Quick to respond was Praveen Kumar Nedungadi, COO of IIPL, who promised to give 4,000 square yard plot right opposite to the one she was already presented. In a way, the whole event was symbolic of solidarity to the North-East community which felt tremors of insecurity in recent times.
“I am an Indian first then a Manipur girl,” said a beaming Mary Kom. Gautam Sawang, IPS, set the tenor for the session when he re-assured the North-East community all possible help from the government.
“I heard Mary was planning to settle down in Bengaluru. I can promise you (looking at her) that Hyderabad is a much better place,” he said amidst cheers from the gathering.
Dr. T. K. R. Rao, VC & MD of SAAP, felicitated Mary Kom on behalf of the State government and reminded how she is already an inspiration for the budding champions in the Andhra Pradesh Sports Schools.
