Mary Kom wants to be left out of TOPS
Boxer Mary Kom requested the Mission Olympic Cell to not consider her name for an extension in the government’s Target Olympics Podium Scheme.
The London Olympic bronze medallist said on Twitter, “I have had great support from government over many years, but I think it is time to let a younger athlete get support to chase the Olympic dream.
“So, I request the Mission Olympic Cell not to consider me for an extension in TOPS.”
TOPS was launched in 2014, by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, with an aim to improve India’s performance at the quadrennial event.
Mary is the only female boxer to have won six World Championships in her career. The five-time Asian champion was also the first Indian female boxer to win a gold at the 2014 Asian Games.
Mary also won a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games 201■ in Gold Coast, Australia but could not defend her title at Birmingham after suffering a knee injury during the CWG trials in June this year.
Mary Kom’s last appearance on the international stage was at the Tokyo Olympics, where she reached the pre-quarters.