Boxer MC Mary Kom ready to return to ring

Imphal – Boxer MC Mary Kom, who has been in the limelight gracing a string of corporate, government and NGO-sponsored programmes across the country since her feat at the London Olympics in August last year, is now ready to return to the boxing ring. The five-time world champion has also decided to cut down on appearing in promotional programmes.

“Before entering the boxing ring, I will go for a three-month physical fitness course from February 2014, to ascertain my potential to resume the game,” Mary told TOI on Wednesday on the sidelines of re-launching her autobiography, ‘Unbreakable’, at a government college here.

“If fitness experts and doctors give me the permission, then I’ll practise rigorously for both the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games scheduled next year. I pray to God to give me enough strength to fulfill my dream of winning gold in the next Olympics,” she said. Mary gave birth to her third son on May 14 and underwent a gall bladder surgery on September 10 this year.

“I will try to cut down on participation in corporate and other events, except for ones I have already committed to,” she said.

Construction of her boxing school is also one of the priorities of the Olympic bronze medalist. The school has been named MC Mary Kom Regional Boxing Foundation and will come up near her Langol Games Village residence in Imphal West.

Mary said the construction material is already in. At present, soil testing is underway. The Okram Ibobi Singh government has recently offered 3.30 acres of land to the Olympian to set up the academy, said Mary, who has been promoted to the post of superintendent of police (sports) in recognition of her Olympic feat.

“Among other structures, we are hoping to complete the construction of an indoor hall and a boxing ring for my students, who are undergoing training at an open park,” she said.

Established in 2006, the foundation is being run at Mary’s residence and has produced several excellent boxers who won medals in various state and national-level championships.

The foundation, which has about 30 young students from various parts of the state, is a non-profit sports academy, especially meant for underprivileged youths.