Olympic bronze medalist and six-time world champion Indian boxer MC Mary Kom said she is considering turning to professional boxing. The 43-year-old, who won bronze at the 2012 London Games and became the first Indian boxer to win an Olympic medal, is now past the age limit to compete in amateur boxing.
Mary Kom talked about the highlights of her career and plans for the Sundays on Cycle fringe event. She said winning six world championships was incredible, but age restrictions limited her participation in amateur boxing for the country.
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“What can I say about the high points? Winning six world championships was incredible. Even though I got to a stage where age restrictions prevented me from continuing to compete in amateur boxing for this country, a new opportunity arose in professional boxing,” said Kom.
“There’s a new opportunity in professional boxing,” she said. “At the moment I’m taking some time to consider it. I’m working hard and trying to get back to show people what I can still do.”
Widely regarded as one of the greatest female amateur boxers, Mary Kom has also highlighted her commitment to local development through her academy in Manipur. She mentioned the challenges she faces due to the situation in Manipur but remains committed to her work.
“Personally, I am very involved in my academy. I travel back and forth quite often, sometimes it is difficult because of the current situation in Manipur; things can be difficult there,” she said.
Mary Kom added that although she cannot be physically present at the academy, she manages and oversees its functioning through phone calls.
“My dream is to stay fit as long as I can, regardless of age,” she stated.
As India prepares to host major global sporting events such as the 2030 Commonwealth Games and possibly the 2036 Olympics, Mary Kom emphasized the importance of sports in building international recognition.
Mary Kom won a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics and enjoyed a legendary run at the World Championships, winning six gold medals (2002, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2018), silver (2001) and bronze (2019).
She also won gold (2014) and bronze (2010) at the Asian Games, gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and added to her dominance with five gold and two silver medals at the Asian Championships between 2003 and 2021.
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Published on:
March 29, 2026 5:13 PM IST
