MC Mary Kom, the World Boxing Champion Aims to Play in the Asian Games and International Tournaments Until Retirement
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MC Mary Kom, a six-time World Champion is recovering from an injury during the trials for Commonwealth Games last year. However, on Monday, she made an announcement at Women’s Boxing World Championship sponsorship press conference that she is aiming to participate in the Asian Games, in the latter half of 2023. Her comeback is anticipated. However, as per the competition rules of the International Boxing Federation, for an ‘elite boxer’, the upper limit is age 40.
And as per the bio-data of MC Mary Kom, her birthday is on 1 March 1983. Thus, it is unclear if she will be eligible to participate in the Asian Games and international tournaments. Even the IBA rules are vague whether the retirement age of an athlete is 40 or after completion of the 40th year. Kom said she wanted to box without keeping age in mind and remain active for at least the next 5 years.
She said retirement is not on cards if it were up to her. However, the rules are different from Kom’s desire. She also has active competition, as the current world champion, Nikhat Zareen in the 51kg weight category, will not be a part of the 50kg Olympic category. The 48-kg boxer, Nitu Ganghas has also taken Mary’s spot by winning gold in the Birmingham Commonwealth Games.
Thus, Mary Kom will have to top the competition from the existing list of champions in the national camp before making it to the Indian team. Presently, she is dealing with her injury and has yet to start training. Thus, Asian Games is still several steps away for Kom, who suffered a terrible ligament injury in the Birmingham CWG trials. In August last year, she also had an operation for her knee in Mumbai.
However, nothing can dim the spirit of Mary Kom as she is quite sure her recovery is going well and that she will be up on her toes soon and return to her routine. She is looking forward to competing at least in one competition before she retires. So, if it does not happen with Asian Games, Kom aims to make it to another international competition.
