Muhammad Ali is my hero, impressed me to take up boxing: MC Mary Kom tells PM Narendra Modi

MC Mary Kom is a six-time boxing world champion and certified for the Tokyo Olympics on the Asian qualifiers in March final yr. The 38-year-old has stated that Tokyo 2020 can be her final look on the Games. MC Mary Kom is the one feminine to win the World Amateur Boxing Championship a document six occasions (AFP Photo)HIGHLIGHTSMary Kom can be competing in her second Olympics after failing to qualify in 2016Mary Kom received the bronze medal on the 2012 Games in LondonMary Kom has stated that the Tokyo 2020 Olympics can be her final look on the Summer GamesPrime Minister Narendra Modi hailed boxing legend MC Mary Kom on Tuesday throughout a video interplay with 15 athletes from the Indian contingent who can be representing the nation at this month’s Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Six-time world champion and 2012 London bronze medallist Mary Kom can be heading to her second Summer Games and can be India’s flag bearer, together with males’s hockey group captain Manpreet Singh, on the opening ceremony.The Manipuri pugilist has been in red-hot type this yr as properly. Mary Kom not too long ago bagged a silver and a bronze medal on the Asian Boxing Championship and Boxam International Boxing Tournament respectively.Mary Kom now has 5 gold medals and a couple of silver medals, the veteran Indian boxer has received a medal in every of the 7 editions of the Asian Boxing Championships she has participated in and is exhibiting no indicators of stopping even on the age of 38.Even PM Modi could not assist however remind her what an inspiration she is not only for different sports activities personalities however for each Indian.”You are an athlete who inspires the entire country. Even in the current Indian contingent, I’m sure there will be quite a few athletes who look up to you.”You have received virtually each worldwide boxing event and also you stated someplace that the Olympic gold is your dream. This is not only your dream however your entire nation’s want as properly.”The entire nation is hopeful that you will fulfill your dream. My best wishes are with you and your family,” PM Modi stated.Mary Kom, who certified for the 2021 Olympics on the Asian qualifiers in March final yr, has stated that Tokyo 2020 can be her final look on the Games. She nevertheless, revealed for the primary time who impressed her to take up boxing.”Sir, Muhammad Ali is my hero. I have been inspired by him to take up boxing.”Everybody at house is praying for me. My children miss me rather a lot, I attempt to make them perceive that ‘mama goes to symbolize the nation, take heed to what your papa says at house’,” Mary Kom instructed PM Modi.The Tokyo Olympics is scheduled to be held from July 23 to August 8. The Games have been postponed from its preliminary dates of July 24 to August 9, 2020 as a result of Covid-19 pandemic.Click right here for IndiaToday.in’s full protection of the coronavirus pandemic.