Flashing a wide and untiring smile, M.C. Mary Kom affirms, with the conviction which marks her domination in the ring, that the Asian Games gold medal victory is one of the sweetest moments of her highly-decorated career.
A five-time World champion and an Olympic bronze medallist, Mary dearly loves the recently-earned piece of yellow metal from Korea.
“After the (2012) Olympics, this was my first event and a major one. After having my third baby (via Caesarean section) and the removal of my gall bladder five months later, it was very tough for me. The win happened because of the support of the whole nation. That's why it is a great success for me,” Mary Kom told The Hindu on Saturday.
Mary Kom was also willing to look at the wider picture too. “We were lucky that our women boxers gave a great performance. I do not think we have given this kind of performance in many years. All three of us getting medals is a great thing. And when you compare this to the achievements of other athletes, and even the male boxers, it is a huge achievement.”
However, the best-known face of Indian boxing was deeply anguished over the turn of events involving her teammate L. Sarita Devi in Incheon and appealed for fairness in judging at all levels.
“The whole nation has seen the bout (of Sarita). She won the bout one-sided and all of us were upset (that she was declared a loser). We are sorry for her. It will be great if such decisions do not happen in future. It is very demoralising for all the boxers, including me.”
Mary also spoke her mind about ‘unfair practices’ at the National level. “In the upcoming (domestic) events, referees and judges should give right decisions. Some of them amount to cheating. Whether we come from Manipur, Haryana, Punjab, Delhi or Mumbai — we are all Indians. They should give points to the best boxer. This (unfair officiating) should not happen at all.”
With the formation of the new National federation (Boxing India) — following the termination of the old body by the International Boxing Association (AIBA) — Mary Kom expected boxing activities across the country to resume. “For the last two years there was no competition. Now onwards competitions will be held. The more we take part in competitions, the better for us.”
Nurturing an ambition of winning a gold medal in the Rio Olympics, the 31-year-old said she was fully focused on her target in 2016.
“My preparation for Rio has already started, fighting in the 51kg category in the Asian Games.”
On her chances of taking part in the World championship in Korea from November 13 to 25, Mary said, “Of course, I want to compete in it. But, first I will have to look at my recovery.”
