Cancer-hit Lee eyes 2020 Olympic Games
NEW DELHI: Boxing legend MC Mary Kom has the potential to better her Olympic performance at the 2020 Tokyo Games, says India’s pro-boxer Vijender Singh. “Her performance in the recently-concluded World Championships speaks volumes of her talent and commitment,” Vijender said during a media interaction here on Thursday.
The Manipur boxer had won bronze in the 2012 London Olympics. She, however, failed to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics but has set sights on the next Games in Tokyo. “The fact that she has been able to prolong her career, is enough evidence of her hard work,” Vijender said
The 35-year-old Mary Kom, a mother of three, won her sixth World Championships gold in 48kg last month here at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Sports Complex. However, at the Tokyo Games she would be contesting for the 51kg weight category as 48kg is not an Olympic discipline.
Haryana’s Sonia Chahal was another boxer in the national squad who impressed Vijender. “She (Sonia) also stood out and has the potential to do well in the Olympics,” Vijander, who is gearing up for his next pro bout in the USA, said. The 21-year-old from Haryana won silver on her debut in the 57kg category at the World Championships.
Vijender’s next bout on the pro circuit is slated to be held in February or March in New York’s Madison Square. “It’s a big thing for me and wouldn’t want to miss the opportunity,” Vijender added. Vijender will shift training base to the US 8-10 weeks before the bout. His opponent will be decided next month.
Vijender’s previous bout was held in December last in Jaipur where he retained his WBO Oriental as well as Asia Pacific super middle weight titles by defeating Ghana’s Ernest Amuzu by unanimous decision. KUALALUMPUR:Malaysia’s former World No 1 Lee Chong Wei could return to the badminton training court within a fortnight after fighting back from nose cancer.
The three-time Olympic silver medallist, who has spent nearly five months on the sidelines, is already doing light fitness work after receiving a clean bill of health from doctors, Malaysia’s badminton chief said.
“He sounded cheerful,” said Norza Zakaria, president of the Badminton Association of Malaysia, after speaking to Lee.
“Yes I think so,” he added, when asked to confirm reports that Lee would resume playing in training in two weeks.
“I’m sure he will be ready by the time the Olympic qualifying period commences on May 1.”
Lee last played competitively at the Indonesian Open in July.
After losing to Japan’s Kento Momota in the semi-finals, he flew to Taiwan for specialist proton therapy and chemotherapy.
But last month Lee, 36, insisted he was not going to hang up his racquet.
“I want to come back to court,” he told a press conference, adding: “As of now, I am not retiring.”