Qualifying for Olympics is my main aim, says Mary Kom on skipping Asian Championships

Recently Mary Kom publicly announced her decision to withdraw from the upcoming Asian Championships citing the change in the Olympic boxing weight categories approved by the Olympic programme as the reason behind the move. The Asian Championship is scheduled to be held next month in Thailand.

“I have to first compete in the India Open and then slowly choose my tournaments in the 51kg category. I am looking to qualify for the Olympics at the Worlds and that is why I have decided to skip the Asian Championships to prepare myself best for the Worlds. Without proper planning I cannot qualify for the Olympics. India Open is also very important for me. So I have decided to choose some important tournaments to qualify for the Olympics,” Mary, who recently signed with popular sports brand PUMA  told PTI sources.

“I have already been competing in the 51kg category in the last one year. I now know the areas where I will have to work upon but fitness wise there are no issues. I just have to work upon my strength, power and stamina.

“I am concentrating on my upcoming competitions. I have my own academy in Manipur. I have that passion for full-time coaching after retirement. If the Boxing Federation of India or the government need my services in improving the standards of Indian women’s boxing, I am always there,” Mary added.