No plans to turn pro: Mary Kom

M.C. MARY KOM ACE BOXER

After Vijender Singh, several boxers who turned pro but five-time world champion and London Olympics bronze medallist M.C. Mary Kom once again ruled out joining the pro ranks.

“I have no plans to turn professional as I still love to play for India,” Mary Kom said on Monday.

The mother of three is eyeing a comeback to the ring at this year’s Asian championship in Vietnam before deciding on her future course of action.

The Rajya Sabha MP, who has not competed since last year’s world championships, ruled out retirement for the time being but has decided to set short-term goals.

Asked whether she had any plans to quit boxing, the 34-yearold said: “Not yet. I still practice and still continue to follow my schedule. I am still dreaming for another year (in boxing).

“My next target is the Asian championships in November. I want to give myself a chance to be in the team and give my best and win a medal for India,” Mary Kom said.

The women’s Asian championships is scheduled in Vietnam from November 2 to 12 this year.

Mary Kom was recently appointed national observer for boxing by the Union Government to assist in the preparation and implementation of the government’s long term development plan for the Olympics.

Asked about her new role, she said: “Whatever responsibility the government has given me, I will try my level best to perform them. My priority will be to work towards providing immediate facilities and help to all the boxers.”

Meanwhile, air pistol shooter Heena Sidhu, who was also present at the occasion urged the sports ministry to keep its immediate focus on next year’s Commonwealth and the Asian Games.

“We are still lagging behind for the 2020 Olympics. We should now pay attention to the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games. The government should pull up its socks and focus on the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.

“We still don’t know the government’s plan for the Commonwealth and the Asian Games with just a year remaining,” she said.

My next target is the Asian championships in November

— BIPLAB BANERJEE Boxer M.C. Mary Kom (from left), air pistol shooter Heena Sidhu and shuttler Saina Nehwal at a felicitation function in New Delhi on Monday.