Still chasing her long cherished dream of clinching an Olympic gold for the country, boxing legend MC Mary Kom, who on Saturday became the first woman to win six World Championship gold medals, said the hunger is still there.
With the gold medal effort in the 48 kilogram light flyweight category, the 35-year-old mother of three, also qualified for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Mary, however, rued the fact that her weight category is still isn’t in the Olympics and wants to get over from the disappointment of not being able to qualify for the 2016 Olympics in Rio.
“First of all, I would like to thank all my friends. They came to see my play. Especially for me, in the contingent, to cheer for us. Today, I am a little bit emotional, since I have been feeling there is no category in the Olympic Games,” said the Manipuri pugilist, nicknamed “Magnificent” Mary.
“Because of your love and support, I am able to qualify for 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Four years ago I was not able to qualify. I am still suffering from making the weight,” she added.
The mother of three won a silver in the inaugural women’s edition in 2001 and then went on to win gold in each of the next five championships, with her most recent coming in Bridgetown, Barbados in 2010.
Thanking her fans for their love and support, Mary, who on Saturday matched Cuban men’s legend Felix Savon as the joint most successful pugilist (men and women) in the World Championships history, said: “Thank you for your love and support. I don’t have anything to give, except for a gold in the country.”
“I am still dreaming about winning the gold in 2020,” she quipped. Mary had won the bronze medal in the 51 kg weight category at the 2012 London Olympics.
The star boxer, whose life had inspired the movie Mary Kom – starring Priyanka Chopra – courted congratulations galore from the actress, as well as celebrated names like Amitabh Bachchan, SS Rajamouli and Prosenjit Chatterjee.
Here’s what they tweeted:
Amitabh Bachchan: Mary Kom, what a huge honour you bring to the country... Six times gold medallist world championship! CONGRATULATIONS! I ever value your boxing gloves that you gifted me! They are my gold medals.
Priyanka Chopra: Wow! Only you could do it!! What an achievement... Congratulations Mary Kom... It’s a proud moment for the nation and you are and always will be my inspiration. Here’s to magnificent Mary.
SS Rajamouli: Congratulations Mary Kom on winning the record sixth Gold in World Boxing Championships. You are a pride of the nation and certainly are an inspiration to many... Keep winning!
Anil Kapoor: With every win she has created a new chapter in history! An inspiration for us all. Her never back down attitude is awe worthy! Congratulations Mary Kom on the Gold! True champion! Always making India proud!
Shekhar Kapur: In a nation confused on the position of women in Society, Mary Kom becomes India’s all-time great athlete. Man or woman. Superwoman. Or superhuman? At 35, mother of three Mary Kom has consistently beaten incredible odds to win sixth consecutive world boxing championships. Becoming one of the worlds most successful boxers. Her opponent was just 3 years old when Mary won her first championship.
Poonam Dhillon: Congratulations Wonderwoman Mary Kom. Magnificent sixth world cup title! Salutes. Truly amazing and historical.