Mary Kom hopes suspension of IBF is lifted

Star boxer M C Mary Kom is very upset with the suspension of the Indian Boxing Federation (IBF) by its parent world body AIBA and is fervently hoping that the issue would be sorted out at the earliest for the benefit of young Indian hopefuls.

‘I feel very upset. I hope this issue is resolved because it will affect the youngsters. I have proved myself, but what about the youngsters,’ said the London Olympics bronze medallist at a meet-the-press organised by the Press Club, Mumbai.

AIBA, which has suspended IBF for not complying with its rules, has provisionally allowed Indian boxers to participate in next month’s World Championships, but will bar them from all competitions later if the IBF fails to conduct a re-election by November. The five-time world champion, who is currently on a sabbatical from the sport after having a baby, said she is targeting next year’s Commonwealth Games in Scotland. ‘After the Olympics, I had a baby. Recently, I underwent an operation for gallbladder stone. I am recovering and my will is to continue. The Commonwealth Games are being held next year, so I will train and try to qualify for that,’ she said.

A biopic is being made on her path-breaking career as a boxer, and Marykom said she is excited about it and hoped that more youngsters would be inspired by it. ‘A superstar (Priyanka Chopra) is playing my role, which is big for me. It will be exciting for both of us. We corrected the script after reading it.’