Xtra Time Web Desk: Star Indian pugilist Mary Kom on Sunday said winning an Olympics gold is her biggest motivation. The boxer from Manipur cruised into round of 16 (51kg) with hard-fought win (split verdict decision) over Miguelina Hernandez Garcia of Dominican Republic in 1st round of women’s flyweight category at the Tokyo Olympics on Sunday. The six time world champion boxer won on split verdict decision.
Winning an Olympics gold is the driving force behind Mary, who is the mother of four.
“I have won all the medals in my hand. I have won Olympics bronze in 2012, Commonwealth Gold, Asian Games Gold, six times world champion. It is very easy to say. Small kids can count hundred easily. Difficult part is to continue performing at the top level. I am grateful God is so kind; I do not have major injury. I keep working hard. God has given me the will to keep fighting. What is left is to win an Olympic gold and that is driving me to go again and again. If I do not win also I will be happy for getting the success past so many years,” said Mary Kom after her first round bout in the mixed zone.
On Saturday another Manipuri girl, Mirabai Chanu did the country proud by winning silver in weightlifting 69kg category. On being asked about what is so special about MC, the six times world champion boxer said, “Something about MC – Mary Kom and Mirabai Chanu. I have to ask God. Yes, we belong to the same state. We both have come from a humble background. We both have fought really hard until and unless we achieved our dream. Our motto is to keep going, keep fighting till the end. Everyone have a dream in life. We Manipuri people keep fighting, never give up .We are not very tall and big, even my country people from North side and South side are so tall and big. It is so scary. But I think God has given us will power.”
The last one year has been very difficult for the sportspersons across the country due to the pandemic.
“Yes, everyone suffered a lot of hardships due to the corona pandemic. We have to work at home. For us it is very difficult. We need a partner and equipment. It was very difficult to manage at home, I am lucky to live in Delhi. I set up a little gym at my home,” said Mary.
Lastly, talking about competing with the current generation of boxers, Mary Kom said, “Young boxers are strong muscular. I keep training hard to match the fitness level. I have a lot of experience fighting almost 20 years. That is an extra plus point. When I lose I try to do better.”