I Will Hang Up My Gloves After The Olympics: Mary Kom

By Rupam Jain

Boxer M C Mary Kom looks back on 2010 and voices her game plan for 2011.
This year saw you creating history, but you also had to settle for bronze at the Asiad...

That's right. I am happy with the bronze but not satisfied with myself.

What went wrong? Did the change of weight (from 46-48 to 51) cause the loss?
No, the change in weight is not to be blamed. I think I played the bout with utmost sincerity which I always do.

And that cost you the gold?
Yes, it did. My opponent was committing fouls and that too very tactfully, something that would escape the referee's eyes. I always try and win on points and that was exactly what I was doing but my opponent was holding me too tight and went on hitting me with her shoulder. So, I tried to do the same but the referee would declare it a foul. I also think since Ren Cancan was a Chinese, she had crowd support. I have taken a lesson from this loss. I am now going to learn how to commit fouls without being caught and go on to win bouts.

What about the sincerity with which you have been playing then?
If I just keep playing on points and eventually lose bouts, then what's the use! If the top names use fouls as a tactic to win, I will have to learn to accept and adopt it. I want to keep winning as long as I am here and I am ready to play up with fouls at the National Games in February next.

You have just got promoted as the Additional Superintendent of Police...
Yes, I am an ASP who does not even know what she is supposed to be doing. I have never been to a police station nor have I worn a uniform. The government has been very sweet and given me the ASP rank. However, having said that, I am happy I can call myself an ASP.

Coming back to boxing, you must be training for the Olympics?
I really want to win gold at the Olympics. It's been my dream. I am training hard and focusing on becoming technically sound to perform well at the London Olympics. Once I have achieved this, I am going to devote my life to bringing up my children and looking after them.

Are you talking about retirement?
Yes, I will hang up my gloves after the Olympics. My kids are three years and four months old now. They have started their playschool from September. But I missed their first day at school as I was in a camp. My husband has been filling up my absence in their lives. I can look upon it as a sacrifice for two more years, but not after that. Soon my children will wear their first school uniforms and I don't want to miss it. Post Olympics, I will devote all my time to my family. I want to see my children grow. Also, I have an academy in Manipur where I train young boys and girls. I want to see some good boxers coming out of my academy and making me proud.