|
Woman boxer MC Mary Kom has defied all laws of nature by winning her fourth consecutive World Championship title in November. Basking in the twin glory of motherhood and success in the ring, Mary Kom spoke about her struggles to TWF correspondent Avishek Mukherjee in a freewheeling interview
This was your fourth consecutive World Championship title? What does it mean for you?
It was very important for me. None thought I could do it again. But I wanted to show the world that nothing is impossible. I was completely cut off from the sport for nearly two years. It was very difficult for me to pick up the gloves after I became a mother. I am thankful to Jesus, who gave me the strength to climb up.
What was your first reaction when you won the title?
I didn't realise what I did. I wasn't expecting to win because before the World Championship I was struggling with my fitness. Despite not being 100 percent fit, I was confident and had the experience and that carried me to the final. I got lot of support from my husband and family. After I won the title, I thought of my kids. It was tough staying away from them but they will have a reason to smile. After all I made them proud.
How difficult was it for you to make a come back in the sport?
It was really difficult because I was not sure of what I was doing. I was coming to boxing after two years. I became a mother in the August of 2007 and in June this year I first started practising. It was as crucial time, as I had to be close to my kids but staying away from them during practice hours was emotionally tough. My first international tournament was the Asian Championship in Guwahati in September where I lost in the final and failed to retain my gold. I realised that I needed to work on my fitness and in the National Championships in Agra in November I won the gold. From September to November I worked hard on my fitness but still when I went for the World Championship I wasn't up to the mark. But self-confidence saw me through.
How do you compare your first title with the fourth?
There is no comparison between the two titles. Perhaps the only common factor between the two titles is that on both the occasions I was not sure of winning it. The first one will always be special but the fourth title means a lot as well. With the fourth World Championship title I have defied all the laws of nature. Who said a woman can't return to the ring after she becomes a mother? I guess I will go into the history book in sports with this title.
Did you get the recognition that you deserve?
From some quarters I did get and from some I didn't. I deserved more. Show me how many sportspersons in the country or the world have won World Championships four times on a trot. I am grateful to the central government, which honoured me with the Arjuna Award and the Padmashree. But I was hurt when I was refused the Khel Ratna Award (country's highest sporting honour) thrice. This year when I went to apply Milkha Singh (chairman of the selection committee) said: who is Mary Kom? By saying that he insulted women boxing. That pained me a lot. But sports minister M.S. Gill has assured me that he will look into the incident. The apathy of the state government has also shocked me. I am still an inspector in Manipur police while my team mates who won gold in the 2006 World Championship in Delhi were all promoted by their respective state governments. So it has been a mixed feeling for me. I also wish I had a sponsor to support me. All the big companies run after cricket, which is played in just nine or 10 countries. But the World Championship saw boxers from 43 countries fighting it out.
Why do you feel women boxing is neglected?
Women's boxing is neglected because it is not an Olympic sport. Had it been an Olympic sport I would have been an undisputed leader and perhaps could have been the first one to win India's individual gold. But unfortunately it is not.
Do you think the government is doing enough to promote sports in the country?
The government is trying but lot has to be done. There is a lot of talent in this country and they should be given a platform. Prize money should be increased and more corporates should be involved. I don't have a sponsor and have to work hard to make both ends meet. All are running after cricket. But this Olympics showed us that other sports could also give corporates more mileage than cricket.
What is your next target?
I am just waiting for women boxing to become an Olympic sport. The AIBA president has recently said that women's boxing will be included in the 2012 London Olympics. I want to fulfil my dream of winning an Olympic medal.
You are a role model for lot of women in the country.
It sounds nice to be a role model. But I know the harsh reality I have faced in my life. But with what I have done if I can inspire women I think I am grateful to god, without whom nothing would have been possible.
Do you want your sons to become boxer?
Not at all. I know my struggles to reach this far, and that too without any recognition. So being a mother how can I allow my children to go through the same!
|
){kind=link}