I want to retire after 2020, reveals MC Mary Kom

After being crowned the World Champion on six occasions in her career, MC Mary Kom is finally thinking about announcing retirement from international boxing next year. Apart from the six World Championship titles, she has an Olympic bronze to her name as well in her 18-year long career.

“After 2020 I want to retire. So my main mission is to get a gold for India. I really, really want to win ,” Mary Kom was quoted as saying by Scroll.

The pugilist had bagged the bronze medal in the flyweight category at the 2012 London Olympics and is eyeing ti change the colour in Tokyo next year. She couldn’t qualify for the Rio Olympics in 2016 and will compete in the 51kg weight category this time around.

“I always try my best to give a medal to the country and if possible a gold. I will be starting my preparation for the Olympic qualifiers and the World Championship. I want to win a gold medal this time,” the boxer said.

“51kg category is not new for me. I was fighting in this category 4-5 years back. It was not continuous because I kept changing my weight.”

With all the controversies surrounding the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and International Boxing Association (AIBA), the qualifying matches are scheduled for next year between January and May. While a lot of pugilists, including the boxers, are in some confusion regarding this it, Mary Kom is of the belief that this might prove beneficial for her.

“It is actually better for me I will get more time to prepare. We are training regularly for all competitions not just the Olympics. In the World Championship, I will get to know the opponents, what their strengths and weaknesses are. Accordingly I can prepare. I will also get extra time for preparing if the qualifiers are held later,” the 36-year-old signed off.