London Olympics bronze-medallist boxer MC Mary Kom has shared her thoughts on the weight management challenges faced by athletes in weight-bound sports. Her comments come in the wake of Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat's recent disqualification at the Paris Olympics 2024, which occurred just before her final bout in the Women’s 50kg Freestyle Wrestling category.
It was just the 100gm extra weight at the weigh-in procedure, which shattered Phogat's gold medal dream in Paris. Phogat was found to be 100 grams over the prescribed weight limit of 50kg, resulting in her immediate disqualification from the event.
Weight is important, that is my responsibility: Mary Kom
Reflecting on this situation, Kom expressed her disappointment, noting that she has experienced similar challenges in her own athletic career.
"I felt so disappointed in the sense that I have also done the same (weight management) for the last so many years. Weight is important, that is my responsibility. I cannot blame anyone," Mary Kom said as quoted by PTI.
Kom further revealed that she always made it a priority to manage her weight herself during her playing days.
"I do not want to say this in her case. I am saying this in my case only. If I do not cut the weight properly then how will I play? I am there to win a medal and that is what I think," she further added.
Mary Kom's Achievements and Vinesh Phogat's Political Venture
Boxing legend Kom achieved a massive milestone by winning the bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics in the women's 51kg boxing event, which was making its debut at the Olympics. In addition to her Olympic achievement, Kom has an impressive record at the World Boxing Championship, securing six gold medals, one silver, and one bronze.
She has also showcased her talent at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games, winning one gold medal each. Furthermore, Kom has five gold medals and two silver medals to her name at the Asian Championships.
Vinesh Phogat ventures into Politics
On the other hand, Phogat, another prominent Indian athlete who experienced heartbreak at the Olympics, has ventured into politics. Phogat is contesting the Julana constituency in Jind in the 2024 Haryana Assembly Elections.
