Smiling ear to ear after becoming the first Indian woman boxer to clinch an Asian Games gold, M C Mary Kom on Saturday hoped that her historic feat would silence detractors who have questioned her ability to remain at the top.
Back in the country after her flyweight gold in Incheon, Korea, the 31-year-old Manipuri said, “This medal means happiness. After Olympics this is the first competition I fought in and it is great for me.”
The Olympic bronze-medallist, who is a mother of three, said it has always been tough to balance home and her career in the ring.
“I had a baby after Olympics and it was tough for me to balance things and make a comeback in the ring. Mostly people were negative about my comeback. But because of my passion I managed to come back,” she said.
“People thought Mary Kom cannot fight again and get a medal for the country. That was a great challenge for me. I was lucky because these challenges gave me strength to continue,” she told.
The former five-time world champion reiterated her support to fellow boxer L Sarita Devi (60kg), who had to settle for a controversial despite dominating her semifinal bout.
“All of us were sad for her. She fought well, dominated but was denied a win. It was sad and I support her,” she said.
