MUMBAI/NEW DELHI: There is hope yet for
Mary Kom. The ace boxer may still get a shot at another Olympic medal if the World Boxing Federation (AIBA) is considerate.
Mary Kom failed to qualify for the
Rio Games
at the
Asia Oceania qualifying tournament
in March. Two months later, she again missed the bus at the
Women's World Championship
.
But Wednesday brought some cheer for Mary Kom when the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) decided to seek a wildcard for the London Olympic bronze medallist. "In the three women's weight categories, there is one berth available in each category under a tripartite agreement. Similarly, there are spots in the men's category too. The world body decides on these places after the qualification process ends," Kishen Narsi, chairman of the adhoc committee currently running boxing in India, told TOI on Wednesday.
"The four medallists from the World Championship automatically qualify. Then two slots each from Asia-Oceania, America and Europe make it ten. Then there is one slot for Africa. That leaves us with one slot which the world body can hand over to any deserving boxer," said Narsi.
"We, on behalf of BFI, will request the AIBA to hand over a slot to Mary Kom as she is a deserving candidate. Mary Kom is an icon in the country and the world. She has contributed immensely to the sport. Now, she is also a member of the Rajya Sabha. If any boxer deserves it, it is Mary Kom," said Narsi.
Mary Kom said she was aware of the effort to get her a berth at Rio. "I want to thank the ad hoc body chairman Narsi and the IOA for pushing for a berth so that I can compete in Rio," said Mary Kom through a text message. "Since I was aware of the ad hoc committee's move, I have kept myself in fighting-fit condition and hopefully things will fall favourably for me," Mary Kom wrote.
India, who sent eight boxers to London in 2012 - seven men and Mary Kom - will be sending only one - Shiva Thapa - as things stand now.