Olympic bronze medalist boxing MC Mary Kom has decided to skip the World Championships and Asian Games later this year to give the youth more exposure. The six-time world champion wants to focus on her preparation for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games.
The IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships are scheduled to be held in Istanbul, Turkey from May 6-21, while the 2022 Commonwealth Games and Asian Games 2022 will start on July 28 and September 10, respectively.
In a statement to the Boxing Federation of India (BFI), Mary Kom said: “I wish to retire to give the younger generation the opportunity to make their mark on the international stage and gain exposure and experience in major tournaments. I just want to focus on preparing for the Commonwealth Games.”
The selection procedures for all 12 categories of the World Championship start on Monday and end on Wednesday. The trials also include Asian Games weight classes identical to those of the IBA.
However, for the remaining two weight classes of the Asian Games, 51kg and 69kg, the trials will be conducted separately from March 11-14, giving boxers in the narrowest weight classes more time to compete in the Asian Games trials as well.
WE RESPECT YOUR CHOICE: BFI
“Mary Kom has been the torch bearer of Indian boxing for the last two decades and has inspired countless boxers and athletes around the world. We fully respect their decision and it is a testament to their champion character to give way to the other boxers.” BFI President Ajay Singh said in a statement.
“We are delighted to have such good bench strength and look forward to the younger generation who will make the nation proud and I hope and wish Mary well in her preparations for CWG,” he added.
National campers, including Tokyo Olympics participants, who have not competed in the national championships are eligible for the qualifying exams.
The selection committee, made up of the BFI President or his nominee and an expert panel of renowned veteran boxers, will ensure that the trials run smoothly as all fights are videotaped.
Qualifications for the Asian Games for men are held in May, while for the Commonwealth Games both men and women are held in June.
