M.C. Marykom, India’s sole boxing qualifier at the 2012 Olympic Games in women’s competition, will shift base from Balewadi near Pune to Liverpool next month. She will be accompanied by personal coach Charles Atkinson and physio Nikhil Latey during the England phase of preparation from July 21 to August 1, before moving to the Games Village.
The five-time world champion, competing in the 51kg event at the London Games, where women’s boxing is making its debut as a medal event, will also be sparring with boxers from Liverpool sourced by coach Atkinson.
“Liverpool is a boxing centre, with numerous boxing clubs and competitions. Boxing is used to attract kids to the sport and keep them off the streets. The level of competition is high, so sparring partners can be arranged,” he said.
The coach said Liverpool’s cooler temperatures would help Marykom train harder and maintain weight at the same time. “I can assure you she will be well-fed and well-trained in time for the Olympics. Mary can eat what she wants in England this time of the year without worrying about weight and also not lose kilos due to the intense training.”
The Indian moved up from 48 kg to 51kg for the London event.
The entire expenses for the Liverpool training will be borne by the Sports Ministry and Olympic Gold Quest is organising the same. “It is like a public-private partnership,” said Viren Rasquinha, OGQ CEO.
“Charles is familiar with Liverpool so we can arrange for best training facility and superior sparring partners for Marykom. She will also acclimatise herself to the English conditions before moving to the Games Village,” he said.
Keywords: M.C. Marykom, London OIympics Games
