‘EVEN BEYOND COVID-19, RACISM NEEDS TO BE ERASED’
Mary Kom says the attitude is ‘inhuman’ and can’t be accepted
Her confident and powerful punches in the boxing ring say a lot about the person Mary Kom is in real life. And all the will power is seeing her through the Covid-19 crisis. Kom has extended aid to the needy, is spreading awareness through social media and is making awareness videos for Delhi Police. She is ready to do “more for her country”, but prefers doing it silently.
While most of her posts spreading awareness were received well, there were the odd ones out. “I’m getting more encouraging responses...That counts more than those few cheer-takers inflicting negativity,” says Kom, 37.
But what annoys her is how the virus has triggered deeprooted racism against people from north-eastern India and those with similar features. Even celebs weren’t spared. Singer-actor Meiyang Chang shared how two bikers called him ‘coronavirus’, shuttler Jwala Gutta said people are calling her ‘half corona’.
Condemning these racial attacks, Kom asserts, “This is inhuman and something we can’t accept at any cost. We are at a very wrong time to even have this mentality. Even beyond Covid-19, this attitude needs to be erased from our people.”
Her eyes set on the nowpostponed Tokyo Olympics, the six-time world champ is focused on “gold for India”. “I do my workout regularly, comprising stretching, jogging, strengthening exercises, skipping, shadow boxing etc,” she says.
But at the same time, the mother of four, three sons, twins Rechungvar and Khupneivar (12), Prince (6), and daughter Neivar (1), is enjoying spending time with them, rustling up their favourite dishes. Kom adopted Neivar in 2019.“I’m seeing each and every little change as she grows. She’s keeping the family lively in the lockdown,” she adds.
Kom recently shared videos of the boys enjoying football with their father, footballer K Onler Kom. Aren’t they interested in boxing? “So far, I haven’t noticed any boxing instinct in my children. I’m ready to support them where their heart is,” she adds.