Mary Kom: Saina Nehwal and I made Indian female athletes believe
The Indian boxing legend is drawing inspiration from her performance at London 2012 as she heads into her final Olympics at Tokyo 2020
MC Mary Kom made sure India joined in the breakout party for women’s boxing at the Olympics by winning a bronze medal at the London Games in 2012. That podium finish is not just a cherished memory for the legendary boxer, but something that is spurring her on to bigger goals for Tokyo 2020, which begins on July 23.
“Memories of 2012 are surely nostalgic but more than that it inspires me to chase my dream in Tokyo in a more determined way,” the Indian boxing legend told Olympics.com.
“Also, winning a medal at the London Olympics was for those women who want to pursue their dreams. It was the first time that women’s boxing was introduced at the Olympics, and I was fully determined to make that count. My medal along with that of Saina (Nehwal) made Indian women athletes believe that Olympic medals are not a dream but can be earned too.”
While Mary Kom, who had already won five of her six World Championships by then, claimed a bronze in the women’s flyweight (51kg), Nehwal won a bronze in the women’s singles to win India’s first Olympic medal in badminton. The medals turned out to be watershed moments for their respective sports.
Mary Kom was the sole representative for India in women’s boxing in London. At Tokyo 2020, India will field four female boxers across five weight categories.
“After winning the medal in London I could see a wave of admiration among the people, especially girls. That I could inspire other women even after having kids and with all the struggles I could make a difference, my mission is accomplished,” said Mary Kom.
“Indian boxing’s graph, especially in women’s category, has seen going upwards in the past couple of years. Today our women’s team has been consistently winning medals at the world stage and that is very heartening to see.
“I want to see more young girls coming up and taking boxing and win medals for the country. I hope to keep contributing to the sport of boxing with my years of experience. Through my own Foundation and Academy in Imphal, I am already working with some exciting future boxing talents and some of them have already started winning medals at international and world stages and am sure more in the offing.”
The 38-year-old will once again lead the charge for Indian boxing at Tokyo 2020. This will be the second Olympic Games for the mother of four. And Mary Kom had to survive some anxious moments, during the pandemic, before returning to the boxing ring.
“When there was coronavirus outbreak and lockdown, things were unsettled not just in sports but generally as well. There were no tournaments happening for initial few months and the Olympics were postponed by a year,” she recalled.
“Despite the lockdown and dengue that I suffered at the end of 2019, I have been working on my strengths and polishing my techniques more according to my possible opponents.”
Mary Kom made a comeback after more than a year at the Boxam Tournament in Spain but had to settle for a bronze. At the Asian Championships in Dubai last month, she won the silver to clinch her seventh medal at the continental event.
“It feels great to be back, being in the ring and experiencing the zeal,” she said.
“Before this Championships, I had played a tournament in Spain for the first time since the qualifications in Jordan. This tournament was much needed before the Olympics to assess the extent of my preparation.
“We have been training in isolation and with no sparring options. It has not been easy so getting back to the ring was important. I am happy to pick my seventh medal and grateful to also evaluate my preparations so far.”
Even though this may possibly be her last Games, Mary Kom isn’t thinking of drawing the finishing line yet and is solely focused on a medal finish.
“Like all athletes, to win gold at the Olympics is something I have dreamt always, and I have an opportunity to take a shot and I hope to give my best at Tokyo Games,” the Indian boxing legend said. “My passion for the sport (keeps me going). I enjoy being in the ring. I want to keep boxing until I can and keep challenging myself.”