Mary Kom denied wild card entry into Rio Olympics

06/23/2016

MC Mary Kom (Red) celebrates after winning against Zhaina Shekerbekova of Kazakhstan in the Women's Flyweight Final at the 2014 Asian Games.

Five-time World Amateur boxing champion MC Mary Kom’s hopes of representing India at the 2016 Rio Olympics ended on Thursday after she was denied a wild card entry. The AIBA ad-hoc committee chairman, Kishen Narsi, confirmed that the veteran pugilist has been denied a wild card entry.

The AIBA ad-hoc committee, which is administering boxing in the country, had approached the International Boxing Association (AIBA) seeking a wild card place in the Olympics for Mary Kom after she bowed out in the second round of the World Championships back in May. According to a report in the Times of India, the AIBA ad-hoc committee chairman, Kishen Narsi, confirmed on Thursday that the Manipuri boxer has been denied a wild card for the Rio Olympics.

Also read: Mary Kom: Can't see any Indian woman boxer shining anytime soon

"It is the decision made by the International Olympic Committee that nations which has not had more than eight boxers in the last two games will be granted the card. India had eight boxers in London itself with seven men and Mary Kom among the pugilists qualifying," said Narsi, reported the Times of India

"It is the IOC ruling and we have to respect that. Sadly, our pride, Mary Kom will not be able to participate in the Olympics and we have to respect that," added Narsi.

Also read: Mary Kom: When our flag is not flying high, what is the point of even competing?

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