Mary Kom clarified that due to the age cap for Olympic participants, she is ineligible for the Summer Games. However, she expressed her readiness to represent the nation in various other major multisport events.
A day after informing the media in Assam’s Dibrugarh, the London Olympics bronze medallist clarified that she is compelled to quit boxing due to the age limit.
International Boxing Association (IBA) regulations stipulate a maximum age of 40 for boxers of both genders at the highest level. Mary Kom, aged 41, surpasses this age limit.
Mary Kom clarified, “I haven’t announced retirement yet; I’ve been misquoted. I’ll personally address the media when I decide. I remain hungry for more achievements and prioritize my fitness.”
She further added saying, “‘At a school event in Dibrugarh on January 24, I expressed my sports aspirations, but the Olympic age limit hinders my participation. I’m dedicated to fitness and will inform everyone when I decide on retirement.”
Mary Kom, the trailblazer, holds the historic title of being the first female boxer in history to secure six world titles. In 2014, she etched her name in Indian sports history as the first female boxer to claim a gold medal at the Asian Games.
A mother of four, Mary Kom, holds the Khel Ratna award and served as a Rajya Sabha MP. In 2020, she received the prestigious Padma Vibhushan, the country’s second-highest civilian honor.
