Rio bus missed but Mary Kom not quitting just yet

Her last hope for an Olympic berth might be over after the denial of a wildcard, but star Indian woman boxer M C Mary Kom on Thursday said she would not hang up her gloves just yet. The 33-year-old five-time world champion could not make the cut for Rio via the two qualifiers and last-ditch attempts by the Indian Olympic Association and the ad-hoc committee administering boxing in India to fetch her a wildcard entry also fell through after the IOC declined the request.

“I have been duly informed that I won’t be getting a wildcard for the Olympics. It is heartbreaking but it is something which I had no control on. I have to accept this decision but I am not quitting the sport right now. I will continue to compete till I am feeling fit and for the time being I think I am fit,” Mary Kom said. The Manipuri was eyeing a swansong Olympic appearance at Rio before calling it quits but has changed her mind at least for the time being.