Boxing

Indian star boxer Mary Kom feels mental toughness the biggest criteria for success in the Tokyo Olympics

 

Indian ace boxer MC Mary Kom who is one of India’s biggest hopes to win a medal at the Tokyo Olympics recently opened up on several things regarding the Summer Games.

The veteran pugilist highlighted how the Tokyo Olympics will be the Games of many firsts. She also feels that the athletes will have to resort to their mental toughness to produce their best performances.

This was the first time in history that the Summer Games were rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Japan currently is still fighting the virus and will not allow spectators in the stands. Several events building up to the Summer Games have also been cancelled.

“These are unprecedented times and one must be adaptive in nature, keeping the current circumstances in mind,” Mary Kom told the Khaleej Times.

“We must be patient and keep ourselves fit and match-ready. All the athletes have seen the consequences of not being careful. We have been training in bio-bubbles and it has made us mentally strong.

“During the Olympics, our goal is to give our best. It will be an Olympics with a lot of firsts and we have to adapt.”

The Indian boxing contingent who have been starved of proper practice featured in the 2021 Asian Boxing Championships which was held in Dubai. Kom, who is leading the Indian flag into the tournament, ended up losing in the finals and bagging Silver at the Asian Championships.

The six time World Champion lost to Kazakhstan’s Nazym Kyzaibay by a split decision in the Women’s 51kg category in Dubai.

Ahead of her bout, she said, “A good performance here is a massive boost as it’s the last tournament before the Olympics.”

“More than that, it’s crucial to check my progress as well as note the areas where work is needed,” the 38-year-old pointed out.

“Some of the best boxers from Asia who will be at the Olympics are here, so we are up against the best. Due to COVID, competitions have been less and we need to make the most of our opportunities.”

Speaking about the pandemic and her own experiences, Kom highlighted the difficulties. However, she is happy with her progress in the buildup to the Olympics.

“Being confined to our homes and not being able to spar (was tough), but we had to remain fit physically and mentally,” Mary Kom said. “Training in the past few months wasn’t easy.

“But since I joined the national camp in Pune, I am in a much better space. I am glad I could take care of sparring, my stamina and fitness before coming to Dubai. I am really looking forward to the much-needed match practice here.”

 

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Pro Kabaddi League 2024: Patna Pirates vs U Mumba – Match Preview

Patna Pirates will take on the mat against U Mumbai in the 37th match of… Read More

November 5, 2024

“If there is no captain in the beginning, it is better to make someone else”- Sunil Gavaskar on reports of Rohit Sharma missing 1st BGT 2024-25 Test

Legendary Sunil Gavaskar has said the vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah should be backed as the skipper… Read More

November 5, 2024

“When Virat Kohli comes now, it seems like he can be dismissed without any issues” – Aakash Chopra on Kohli’s struggles vs New Zealand and Bangladesh

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra reckons India’s superstar Virat Kohli doesn’t look like a… Read More

November 5, 2024

“When Rishabh Pant is in the crease, everyone is scared” – Ajaz Patel opens up on battle with wicket-keeper in IND-NZ 2024 Test series

New Zealand’s spinner Ajaz Patel has revealed that everyone is scared when Rishabh Pant is… Read More

November 5, 2024

Mumbai City FC deserved the win: Mikael Stahre after 4-2 loss

Kerala Blasters FC head coach Mikael Stahre admitted that Mumbai City FC were the deserving… Read More

November 5, 2024

“Rohit didn’t use to play like this” – Aakash Chopra questions Rohit Sharma’s approach against New Zealand and Bangladesh

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has questioned Rohit Sharma’s approach after his poor performance… Read More

November 5, 2024