Mary Kom mum on Rio chances

MUMBAI: Meeting Mary Kom can be a perplexing moment; you begin to wonder how her calm demeanour transforms in to a fierce combination of uppercuts and jabs in the boxing ring. The Olympian and five-time world boxing champion was in the city with her husband, Onler, to promote a brand of detergent. She entertained a volley of questions whilst remaining impervious to every query pertaining to the upcoming Rio Olympics.
She claims that the decision does not lie in her hand and she knows as much as the rest of us do, so talking about what the future holds is futile. This is in reference to her failing to qualify via the World Boxing Championship in Astana, but holding a chance to qualify as a wildcard entrant. With dreams of a second Olympic medal hanging by a thread, 'Magnificent' Mary maintains her confidence.
"Muhammad Ali was my hero, and his death was a big loss to the boxing fraternity around the world," says Mary about 'The Greatest'. She feels the absence of a boxing federation in India, has led to the decline of the sport in the country. For the 2012 Olympics held in London, India sent eight pugilists with Mary Kom coming the closest to success, settling for a bronze. This team size has dwindled to the lone Shiva Thapa, who keeps India's hopes alive.