NEW DELHI: London Olympics bronze-medallist and Indian star boxer MC Mary Kom has once again quashed the idea of turning professional, saying that she still very much love playing for her nation.
“No professional debut. I still love to play for my nation. I want to thank for everything the country has given me…the love and the support. I just want to only play for the nation,” Mary said in an exclusive interview to ANI.
The five-time world champion has recently been appointed as national observer for boxing to assist Sports Ministry, Sports Authority of India (SAI) and their respective National Sports Federation (NSF) in implementing the long-term development plans for the Olympic Games.
The national observers have been tasked by the government to monitor the selection procedure, oversee the conduct of national camps and regularly provide a comprehensive feedback of the performance of the national campers in their respective disciplines.
Admitting that she feels extremely proud to be named as one of the national observers, Mary assured that she would try her level best to ensure that the athletes get all the necessary facilities required.
“Yes, I feel proud to be selected as national observer. Whatever the SAI has given the task me, I will try my best to administrate. I will try to get the athletes everything they need. I will try to provide them the facility which they are not getting immediately. From my side, whatever I can do I will try my best to get them as soon as possible,” Mary said on the sidelines of the felicitation ceremony of India's Special Olympics contingent.
The Indian Special Olympics contingent clinched 73 medals, including 37 gold, 10 silver and 26 bronze in eight events at the recently-concluded Special Olympics World Winter Games 2017 held in Austria.
When asked about her academy in Manipur, the 34-year-old pugilist admitted that setting up Mary Kom Regional Boxing Academy was a difficult task for her.
“Obviously, setting up a boxing academy of my own was a difficult task. But now I am happy as everything is set up because of Government support and main support behind it was Herbalife. Being a part of Herbalife family since last few years…they are supporting not only me, but also my students. They have been providing all the facilities, even supplement and kit,” she said.
Talking about her preparation for upcoming women's Asian Championships, Mary said that she has been working really hard and is once again dreaming for a medal.
“All is good, I am training hard. I once again dream for a medal,” he boxer said, who has not competed since last year's World Championships.
The women's Asian Championships is scheduled to be held in Vietnam from November 2 to November 12 this year.