Mary Kom Questions India’s Boxing Preparations After Paris 2024 Olympic Disappointment

Indian boxing legend Mary Kom has voiced concerns over the Boxing Federation of India’s (BFI) handling of preparations for the 2024 Paris Olympics, following a lackluster performance from the country’s boxing contingent. Despite the presence of reigning world champions Nikhat Zareen and Lovlina Borgohain, India failed to secure a single medal in boxing at the Games, leading the six-time world champion to question the federation’s training approach.

Speaking about her concerns, Mary Kom acknowledged that while the boxers received logistical support, there were issues with how their training was managed. “The federation has provided all the coaches, but I have a few doubts as well,” she said. 

Kom refrained from disclosing specific details, preferring instead to discuss her concerns in a planned meeting with Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and BFI officials. 

“I will meet the boxers too if the situation demands. If the sports minister has the knowledge [about the issues], I want to discuss that also,” Kom added. The 2012 London Olympics bronze medalist expressed uncertainty over whether the training was executed systematically. “Was it done systematically or not? What happened exactly, I do not know,” she wondered. 

Mary Kom, one of India’s most decorated athletes, reiterated her belief that the athletes received adequate support in terms of infrastructure and facilities. However, she remains eager to meet with the relevant authorities to fully understand “what is lacking” and address her concerns over the disappointing results at the Olympics. 

“We know what the result was, it was so, so bad. I want to know what is lacking,” she said, reflecting on the country’s dismal boxing campaign in Paris.

Aside from her critique, Kom made it clear that she is not yet done with the sport. The 40-year-old boxer announced her intent to pursue professional boxing and emphasized that she has not retired. “I have not retired yet but I want to compete. I am trying to get opportunities, waiting for my chance to fight pro,” she said, adding that she has the passion and hunger to continue for another three to four years.

Kom’s concerns come in the wake of what was expected to be a strong Olympic showing for Indian boxing, with hopes pinned on stars like Zareen and Borgohain. The failure to bring home any medals has raised questions about the effectiveness of the training and management of the athletes, issues that Mary Kom seeks to address in her upcoming discussions with the federation and the sports ministry.