Mangte Chungneijang Mary Kom, better known as MC Mary Kom is a name synonymous to boxing in India. Image credit: IABF
Editors note: The interview was conducted by the Indian Amateur Boxing Federation. (IABF)
Mangte Chungneijang Mary Kom, better known as MC Mary Kom is a name synonymous to boxing in India. In a career spanning nearly twelve years, she has been crowned the World Champion an unprecedented five times, the Continental Champion a whopping four times and has bagged numerous National Titles. With a staggering 15 international gold medals to her name the 29 year old mother of two from Manipur, will once again look scale new heights at the games of the XXX Olympiad.
Mary, the lone Indian woman boxer to have qualified for the Olympics, has carved her niche as the leading figure in the sport in India and across the boxing world. She is inarguably one of India’s best bet for a medal at the London Olympics. The 2010 Asian Games bronze medallist left Mumbai in the early hours of Saturday for the final leg of her training in Liverpool, England. There, she will train under the supervision of her Coach Charles Atkinson before moving to the Games Village in London around 3 August 2012. In an interview prior to leaving the country, Mary spoke about her journey as a boxer, her preparations for the Olympics and the importance of the Games.
Q: You were there when women’s boxing first started in India at the turn of the century and now more than a decade later, you will be representing the nation at the biggest sporting extravaganza in the world. How do you feel knowing that you are such a big part of boxing history?
Image credit: IABF
Mary: (Smiling…) Feels very good… It’s been a long journey with lots of highs and lows. I feel proud and honoured to be part of boxing for such a long time now. I have seen the game grow from its nascent stage in India to where it is now. Inclusion in the Olympics and the Asian Games was a big boost for the sport and the athletes.
Like every other athlete I always dreamt of playing at the Olympics and it feels really good to see that dream materialise. I am very thankful of all the support that I have received from different quarters, including the OGQ Team (Olympic Gold Quest), the Ministry (Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports), IOA (Indian Olympic Association), the Federation (Indian Amateur Boxing Federation) and all my sponsors.
Q: You are still challenging the Young Turks of the sport, winning awards and accolades internationally and nationally. What drives you on?
Mary: Right now it’s just the Olympics; I have played at every other level of the game, but the Olympics. The incentive of a medal at the biggest sporting arena in the world is what drives me. Before I hang my gloves I want to win the Olympic medal, and my performance at London will decide my future in the sport.
Q: How well are you prepared for the London Olympics, can you tell us a bit about your training?
Mary: Fully prepared… This has been my dream and I am training very hard to achieve the desired results. Ever since the Olympic qualification, we have increased the intensity of our training, working on various aspects of the game. Right now my focus is to maintain my form and physical fitness and be on the top of my game when the competition starts.
Q: The whole nation wants you to triumph at the Olympics. Do you feel pressured with the country’s expectations?
Mary: In a sports-person’s life, pressure is always there, you have to learn to deal with it. Earlier it was the pressure of qualifying, now of performing at the games. I understand my responsibility as an Indian athlete and the expectations people have from me. You can be assured that I will give my very best at London, rest is up to God.
Q: You have competed in all the editions of the world championships and won medals in six out of seven (5 gold and 1 silver). How different do you think the competition at the Olympics will be?
Mary: I believe the world championships is more competitive than the Olympics, as the amount of participation is far more at that level. But the fact that this is the Olympics and the first time for women’s boxing with only the selected best participating; the level of competition on offer will be top notch.
Q: Most of your career you fought in the light fly weight division. How difficult was it to adjust to the 51 kilogram weight?
Mary: Increasing and maintaining the weight was not difficult. I have been able to manage it easily. But it takes some getting used to the kind of competition and the opponents you face. Boxers have an advantage because of the height and in some cases are stronger and that is where the big adjustment comes.
