Mary Kom wants Asian Games to be her swansong, says ‘I’ll be forced to retire next year’ | Boxing News

NEW DELHI: Race against time to get in shape, six-time world champion MC boxer Mary Kom aim for it asian games like her swansong in the ring before she was “forced” to retire next year.
The veteran boxer, who tore her anterior cruciate ligament after twisting her left knee during Commonwealth Games trials last year, underwent reconstructive surgery to repair the torn ACL in August.
“What happened during the Commonwealth Games trials is very unfortunate. I suffered a serious injury and had to undergo surgery,” said Mary at the unveiling of the Indian team’s jersey before the Women’s World Championship.
“I’m trying to come back soon. Because I only have this year, next year I will be forced to retire. So this year I want to participate in any competition before retirement.”
According to the rules, the maximum age of participation for a boxer is 40 and Manipuri will turn 41 in November.
“I don’t want to retire at all. I want to compete for the next five years, but above 40 you can’t compete, that’s the rule.”
“My main (objective) is the Asian Games, I hope I will recover by then. I will also have time to prepare. It is my dream to compete once this year before I retire.”
The Asian Games, which were postponed last year, are scheduled to be held from September 23 to October 8 this year.
However, in order to be selected for the showpiece event, the London Olympics bronze medalist will have to go through the new selection process, which requires a boxer to take an assessment test at the national camp.
“My recovery is going very well. Very soon I will be able to race and train. I am doing my best. If I am able to compete, I will try to beat the boxers to be selected.
“But if I’m not fit in the Asian Games, I want to participate once in any other international competition.”
Indian Boxing Federation President Ajay Sing said: “We will fully support his recovery process and his desire to box again and from our side we will try to give him a wonderful start.”
The Asian Games are also a qualifying event for the 2024 Olympics and if Mary wins, she will have earned a quota for the Paris Games where she cannot participate due to her age.
“Maybe the IBA president will allow me to compete (at the Olympics),” she joked.
When asked if she plans to turn pro after retirement, Mary said she hasn’t decided yet.
“Pro isn’t easy either. But the easy part is in a year there’s only two or one competition and the money is more. Amateur and pro are different.”
I want 3 medals from India in world championship
The multiple World Championship gold medalist will not participate in this edition due to her recovery from her injury, but she will serve as the brand ambassador of the event alongside Bollywood actor Farhan Akhtar.
Having delivered year after year, Mary hopes the Indian contingent can win three gold medals on home soil.
“I think India will win at least three gold medals. For many years our girls have been performing very well in international championships. This time we are hosting so why not,” said Mary, who won gold the previous two times. India hosted the event. in 2006 and 2018.
The BFI announced big cash prizes for the tournament, with the gold medalist set to receive $100,000, the silver medalist $50,000 and the bronze medalist $25,000.
But Mary warned boxers to focus on their performance and not chase the money.
“You prove yourself in the ring and the money will come to you. If you are money conscious, you may not perform well. Attitude, arrogance and money can affect your training and your preparation. Our performance should not suffer.”

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