With things slowly getting normal amidst the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic, all forms of sport, including combat sport, are resuming as well. Meanwhile, the athletes are looking to prepare themselves for the upcoming 2020 Tokyo Olympics, including Indian boxing legend MC Mary Kom.
undefined
Mary has already sealed her place for Tokyo after winning the Asian Qualifiers, held in Jordan last year. However, since then, everything came to a standstill, owing to the pandemic. Nonetheless, she is all set to resume her duties in the ring, as she participates in the Boxam International tournament in Spain from next week.
undefined
Speaking on resuming her boxing duties in the pandemic and how she has been preparing herself over the past year, Mary felt that one has to stop fearing the coronavirus. "I was scared and I will still be very cautious and concerned, but then, how long can you go on fearing? The cycle has to stop at some point. One just has to be sensible to avoid the virus and I am trying my best to be that, wearing masks, maintaining personal hygiene like always. But, being scared of it, like I was for a long time, perhaps that should not happen," she was quoted as saying by PTI.
undefined
"My body feels good. Like everyone, I also had a rough 2020. The dengue wreaked havoc. I lost a lot of muscle because of it and my weight had shot up drastically. I was about 57-59 till last month. But, all it took was 15 days of regimented training and now, I am back to my usual weight of 51-52. The muscles are also in shape. I think I am good to go. Rest, you can ask my coaches, for who knows, I could be bragging," she added.
undefined
Mary also stated that while the organisers faced challenges, as not everyone got a chance to participate in the events, she is one of the luckiest ones to have qualified. "We all want things to go back to normal, but at the same time, there are challenges too and this decision is a result of that. Even if I had opposed, it wouldn't have made any difference. All I can say is that those who qualified when the competitions were on, they got lucky," she wondered.
undefined
"You know, when I joined the camp in Bengaluru, I was still the fastest among all. So, whatever happened to all that talk about being faster than me, better than me. I know it won't be easy in Tokyo and it has never been easy for me. So, what's new there? I would again say what I always say when I am asked about expectations. I will give my best. The result, however, is not in my hands. I am in a joyful space in my life. I intend to keep it that way," she concluded.
undefined