MC Mary Kom pulled no punches as the celebrated Indian boxer on Monday announced her intention to stretch her career by another "three-four" years and while the 2018 Asian and Commonwealth Games remain her "main focus", Tokyo Olympics, she said, is also not out of the radar yet.
The london Olympics medallist and five-time world champion recently decided to go back to the light flyweight (48kg division) amid speculation that it is among the two categories that the International Boxing Association (AIBA) is pushing for inclusion in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The 33-year, a mother of three, is back in the ring with renewed hopes."I am attending the national camp at IG Stadium.
I just want to continue for another three-four years. If 48kg is included in 2020 Olympic Games, I will give it a shot and try win a gold medal for my country," Mary Kom said.
She added, "I have started training and though I could not participate in the boxing nationals due to the Parliament session, I want to represent India in international competitions. 2018 Asian Games, Commonwealth Games are main my focus and I will also look to compete in other official international competitions."
Aiming to groom potential boxers for future Olympics with world-class coaching and infrastructure facilities, the effervescent pugilist's Mary Kom Regional Boxing Foundation (MKRBF) on Monday entered into an agreement with Petroleum Sports Promotion Board (PSPB).
"Women boxing is becoming more popular. I just want to give back to my sport and my nation. To produce more champions from my academy, that is my dream. I have gyms and outdoor rings to train the underprivileged youngsters,” she said.
The PSPB agreement entails extending support towards refurbishment of the residential block and in addition granting `75 lacs in a five-year period for facilitating the sportspersons at the academy.
Besides, State bank of India and Sports Authority of India have also come forward to assist the academy.