Incheon: Indian boxer Mary Kom, ‘Magnificent Mary’ to her sport, announced her comeback to international arena with a debut Asian gold and setting herself the next big goal of qualifying for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games.
Fighting for the first time since her bronze medal performance at the 2010 London Olympics, the mother of three from the Indian state of Manipur, won the women’s flyweight (48-51kg) division with a split decision against Kazakhstan’s Zhaina Shekerbekova at the 2014 Incheon Asian Games, on Wednesday.
Immediately after the three-round bout in which the three judges scored 39-37, 38-38 and 39-37 in her favour, Mary Kom told reporters that her next goal will be to concentrate on the qualifying rounds at World Championships and get to Rio in two years’ time.
“I am so happy for this moment. This means that all my sacrifices have not gone in vain. I have left my children and family behind and focused only on my training and today I have fulfilled the promise I made before I left India,” Mary Kom told the media.
A five-time world champion, Mary Kom won India’s first bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics while fighting way above her weight. On Wednesday, she faced no such impediment as the 31-year-old delivered on her promise to win easily while dominating in the third and fourth rounds.
The Indian had tried to make a comeback at the recent Commonwealth Games, but failed to qualify after losing to Pinky Jangra from the Indian Railways. “That loss gave me more of a challenge. Some of the people [in the boxing association] are corrupt, but what can we do? I had to go out there and prove myself and show them who I am,” she said.
“I have worked double hard for this medal and I am not going to stop as I get ready for the World Championships to try and qualify for Rio,” she added.
The Indian’s win also came as a right answer to the boxing fraternity following the drama involving L. Sarita Devi’s bout against Korean opponent Jina Park late on Tuesday. Sarita Devi (60kg) had to settle for a bronze medal despite dominating her semi-final bout against Jina Park. “Decisions have always gone in favour of countries hosting the Games. These things happen with every country. It is now time for us to look ahead,” Mary Kom said.
Priyanka Chopra, the reel life M.C. Mary Kom, meanwhile is ecstatic at the news. Chopra, who played her part in a Bollywood biopic titled “Mary Kom” about the life of the sportswoman, took to Twitter to congratulate her.
“Yaaaaaay!!! Now that’s called Woman Power! #MaryKom gets gold..makes India Proud & shows us that we can achieve anything! #Momof3 #champion. So proud of u @mangtec u r a true champ!! My Shero! Be #Unbeatable Be #Unbreakable Be #MaryKom,” she said.
