Olympic bronze medallist pugilist Mary Kom just isn’t ruling out turning professional within the coming years because the veteran boxer admitted that she will be able to not struggle in novice boxing because of age restrictions. The six-time world champion boxer has not competed since tearing her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) throughout the Commonwealth Games choice trial in 2022 although she is but to announce her retirement. As per the foundations, a boxer above the age of 40 can’t compete in novice class and Mary Kom is 41 now.

“If I say from my heart, I am still hungry to do something. I still want to compete and represent the country. But I am not being able to compete from this year because of age limit,” Mary Kom informed PTI after giving freely medals to the rostrum finishers of the inaugural Khelo India Para Games right here on Monday.

“But I will still try to do something relating to boxing. (I) May go to pro but don’t know yet what I will do. I still have the spirit to play one to two years or even four years,” she added.

The legendary boxer mentioned she missed competitions due to accidents additionally. “I could not compete this year due to age bar, I missed a lot of competitions. I had a major injury, an ACL and after recovery I missed a lot of competitions like Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and World Championships.” She mentioned the para athletes are the true heroes as they needed to struggle towards odds to carry laurels for the nation.

“We respect you from the heart, we are inspired by your success through your struggles. Whatever I have achieved for the country seems to be very less as compered to what you have achieved.

“Seeing you guys has given me extra power, extra vitality. You para athletes are my actual heroes. I want you win increasingly medals for the nation.” More than 1400 para athletes from 32 states and union territories are taking part in the inaugural Khelo India Para Games being held in three venues of the Capital City.

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