Mary Kom denied wild card entry into Rio Olympics

Chairman of AIBA and the ad-hoc committee, Kishen Narsi, on Thursday confirmed that veteran pugilist M.C. Mary Kom has been denied a wild card entry into Rio Olympics.

In a last-ditch attempt to fetch Mary Kom a Rio Olympics berth, the Indian Olympic Association and the ad-hoc committee administering boxing in the country had sent a request for a wildcard entry for the celebrated boxer, who could not make the cut via qualifiers.

Mary Kom could not book an Olympic ticket after losing the second round of the World Championships.

“I have been duly informed that I won’t be getting a wildcard for the Olympics. It is heartbreaking but it is something which I had no control over. I have to accept this decision but I am not quitting the sport right now. I will continue to compete till I am feeling fit and I think I am fit,” Mary Kom told PTI.

She was eyeing an Olympic appearance at Rio before calling it quits but has changed her mind, at least for now.

“I am aware that retirement is something that would be talked about a lot but for the time being I have dropped the idea. Of course I would be spending more time at my academy training young kids but I will continue to devote as much time to my training as well,” Mary Kom said.

“I am not feeling good about how things have panned out but I am sure future is good for me,” she added.