MARY MOST ‘MAGNIFIQUE’

‘MAGNIFICENT Mary’ Kom, India’s legendary woman pugilist was in the news yet again last week as she continued to blaze a trail of glory in international boxing (‘Pugulists spearhead Indian medal rush’ April 15, The Gulf Today).

I was up to WATCH HER inal Bout In THE 48kg lyweight Category, AND one of my all-time favourite sportswomen didn’t disappoint as she led India’s gold rush on day 11 of the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.

All the members in my family said they had goosebumps – as did millions of Indians all over the world following HER ight – As SHE stood on THE podium to receive her gold medal after beating Kristina O’hara of Northern Ireland In THE inal. It was INDEED A proud moment for us as we stood to the strains of the Indian National anthem playing for the umpteenth time in the illustrious career of one of India’s most accomplished daughters.

Mary said later she took the Gold Coast Games as a challenge, urging other Athletes to “lush out” THE AGE Factor.

Not one to rest on her laurels, the champion boxer rubbished “rumours” About HER retirement, instead stressing that her focus was now solely on the Tokyo Olympics. Reiterating that she would continue boxing till her body allowed her, I hope Mary achieves her goal of winning that elusive Olympic gold.

Truly, her never-ending saga of chasing her dream is what inspires other Indian athletes as well.

Manika Batra, India’s table tennis sensation and the country’s best athlete at the CWG 2018 with four medals – including a gold in women’s singles – revealed that she takes inspiration from Mary.

It’s not just athletes, but millions of women like me, who look up to the 35-year-old mother of three sons – the irst two of whom were twins – For inspiration in their quest for success In THEIR respective ields. Go For Glory Mary, we are in your corner rooting for you. Melissa Dias Sharjah