It hasn’t been the happiest of times for 2012 Olympic bronze medalist MC Mary Kom. The 33-year-old couldn't qualify for Rio 2016 in the final Olympic qualification event and now awaits a decision from higher authority over the availability of a wildcard for her participation at the Summer Games in August.
Speaking exclusively to Sportskeeda at the CPG event in Bengaluru, Mary spoke about her chances, whether Vijender can get a medal is he qualifies and more.
Excerpts:
The Importance of Nutrition in your career: Since when I started out, especially when we travel, the food from North-East,North is totally different, the food from the North is totally different. North-east side we have a different diet and other parts we have a different diet. Sausages is something I like a lot. My children don’t like to have normal food daily. They prefer different food daily. I am happy with my association with CP Food since they will get everything under one banner.
Chances of getting wildcard and support from family and OGQ: I am hoping to get a shot, but it’s not in my hands. If I get a chance, I will be thankful for it. Support wise, I am getting it from several quarters like the government, the Target Olympic Podium Scheme(TOPS), the Olympic Gold Quest etc.
Vijender’s chances at Rio if he does qualify: If he qualifies, he has a chance. But qualification for the event is the main. Only boxers from selective countries are competing at the Olympics and not all the countries from around the world. Some of the boxers have not qualified because of so many twists and turns.
On Sonia Lather’s silver medal win at the World Championships and whether she can be the next champion to emerge out of India: It is a great achievement and I think she can become a future champion. For the last many years, she was fighting in the 51kg category and competing with me.
Some of the boxers have the advantage after reducing weight. Some don't. Her career was in jeopardy because if you don't have 3 meals a day, then how can you get the strength? Even if I am having two or three proper meals, we still tend to have some weakness. So we are trying to train well, have a proper diet. to reach that level
She is competing in a higher category and she is much stronger now than before. Winning a medal at the World Championships is not easy.
Apart from boxing, the other sport that has the best chance of winning a medal: I think in shooting we have a good chance of winning medals at Rio 2016.
