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Mary not yet done

Boxing
Last Updated 25 June 2016, 19:23 IST

Indian boxing legend MC Mary Kom felt that lack of domestic competitions had hampered the growth boxing in India.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Ultimate Boxing Championship, the five-time world champion said that a structured domestic structure would go a long way in helping the sport reach greater heights.

“If you speak about boxing in India, I believe there’s a lot of potential.
“I have been associated with women’s boxing for a very long time and if there’s one thing that hasn’t changed over the years is the inflow of talent,” said Mary Kom.

“Look at the lower levels, like the junior and sub-junior... There’s immense talent in the country.

“But it’s the lack of tournaments and competitive bouts that has stopped this talent from taking off.

“If there’s no domestic tournament, no state-level, national-level meets, you just can’t expect the sport to develop in our country,” she opined.

Having failed to qualify for the upcoming Rio Olympics, Mary Kom was apologetic in expressing her disappointment.

“It’s very disappointing. That’s one thing that I was looking forward to, working hard towards.

“But it’s unfortunate. We tried for a wildcard entry too. But that didn’t work either. I am really sorry that I was not able to qualify for the Olympic Games. I know that the nation was looking up to me and I am sorry that I couldn’t live up to their expectations.

“But this is not the end of the road for me. My career doesn’t end here.
“I want to continue boxing as long as I can and I don’t think it’s time yet to call it quits,” stressed the 2012 Olympics bronze medallist.

On Dutee

Mary Kom also congratulated Dutee Chand who qualified for Rio in 100M.
“I am very proud of her. If you look at it, I think it’s relatively easier to excel in boxing than in athletics. And this girl has now qualified for the Olympics in 100M, one of the most interesting features of athletics.

“I pray and wish her the best and I am sure that she will give her best and make our country proud. Even if she isn’t among the medals, a good performance will be a big thing for us.”

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(Published 25 June 2016, 19:23 IST)

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