Mary Kom eyes gold at London Olympics

Times of India | PTI | Oct 30, 2011, 02.25PM IST, MUMBAI:

Five-time world champion MC Mary Kom is aiming at nothing less than a gold medal when women's boxing makes its debut in the Olympic Games next year. "My aim is to win gold in London and I am training harder than ever. I am aware of the billion hopes I am carrying. I can't let the people of India down.

"What I am looking forward the most to is to become first woman boxer to win a gold medal at the Olympic Games," the 28-year-old Manipuri said in an interview to 'Olympic Review', the official magazine of the Games.

"At first I could not believe my ears. But when it was confirmed, I was so happy. I have won everything that could be won, but it was the Olympic gold that eluded me. Now, it's a dream coming true for me to get the chance to represent my nation at the Olympic Games when I am at the peak of my career," she said.

The mother of two, who was described as 'Magnificent Mary' by the AIBA following her feat of winning her fourth successive world crown in 2008 after returning from a two-year sabbatical, also remembered the difficulties she had to face when she took up boxing against the wishes of her parents.

"It was tough as I had to lie to my parents everyday. But I was sure that if I was successful, I would be able to convince them and move forward. Luckily for me, I succeeded at the state level and thereafter could persuade my parents with the help of my cousins. Once they were convinced, there was nothing that could stop me and there I am today," Mary said.