“We will win medals, but I don’t expect gold”: Mary Kom backs India for strong haul despite tough road ahead

Six-time world champion MC Mary Kom has expressed optimism about the current state of Indian boxing, backing the country’s pugilists to deliver a respectable medal haul at the upcoming Commonwealth Games, even if gold medals may be hard to come by.

In an exclusive interaction with PTI, the six-time world champion and Olympic bronze medallist reflected on the evolving landscape of Indian boxing while maintaining hope in the next generation.

“We will win medals, but I don’t expect gold,” she said. “If it comes, I will be happy. The Asian Games is very tough, though. At the Commonwealth Games, we should at least be in the gold-medal bouts. I pray we win everything.”

Mary Kom, who won gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and the 2010 Asian Games, highlighted her emotional connection with the sport.

“Boxing gave me everything in life and, after getting so much from the sport, how is it possible that I don’t pray for those who will be competing?” she said. “We are one family.”

There are some strong prospects in the women’s team, including Lovlina Borgohain (75kg), Jaismine Lamboria (57kg), Preeti Pawar (54kg) and Arundhati Chaudhary (70kg), all of whom have delivered podium finishes on the international stage.

Among the men, Sachin Siwach and Narender Berwal have also shown promise. The latter won a bronze medal at the previous Asian Games.

However, the 43-year-old did not shy away from sharing her views on the Boxing Federation of India.

“I don’t know why some of the champion boxers did not get selected,” she said. “This is not good for the future. Performance goes up and down, but the selection not being right is unfortunate.”

She also expressed disappointment over the federation’s lack of communication over the years.

“They used to call me,” she said. “I would even give suggestions. At that time, we had a very good connection. Meri injury ke baad toh kisi ne poocha bhi nahi… Nobody asked about my recovery or healing.”

She added, “They are not taking any suggestions. There is no way to reach them. We can’t even give any advice.”

Reflecting on her legacy, she concluded, “Taking my legacy forward is very difficult. I don’t think anybody can. There is nobody like me. Why? Because today’s kids develop an ego after achieving one thing. Thoda fame ke baad mehnat karna nahi chahte hain (they don’t want to work hard after getting fame).”

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