- October 15, 2024
‘We Shared Many Things, But IOA Don’t Listen’: MC Mary Kom Expresses Dismay Over Suggestion Falling on Deaf Ears – News18
Legendary Indian boxer MC Mary Kom, who is also the chairperson of IOA’s Athletes’ Commission, revealed that she had started to refrain from providing counsel to the Indian Olympic Association as the IOA does now pay any heed to the suggestions offered by the pugilist.
The IOA has been embroiled in infighting with a faction from the governing body opposing Chief PT Usha’s governance. The legendary sprinter has rubbished all allegations levelled against her.
Mary Kom said that she has shared her suggestions with the body, but the IOA doesn’t listen.
“I am not into the IOA functioning. We shared so many things with IOA but they don’t listen to it,” the 41-year-old said.
“I have a voice but they don’t listen to what I suggest. I don’t know politics and I don’t want to blame anyone,” the boxer added.
The Indian boxing contingent returned empty-handed from the Paris Olympics 2024 as medal hopes including World Champions Nikhat Zareen and Lovlina Borgohain failed to finish on the podium.
“I can’t pinpoint what went wrong because they did not invite me at all,” Mary Kom revealed.
“They could have used my experience. I can tell the boxers their weak and strong points,” the Manipuri said.
Mary Kom, who bagged the bronze medal for the country in the flyweight division at the 2012 Olympics in London, also reflected on the dated coaching system, which could be one reason why the Indian pugilists’ challenge at the French Capital city fizzled out.
“The coaching system is outdated,” the icon asserted.
She also reflected on her training regimen and opined how different the system is now.
“I have been trained by experienced coaches who are not achievers. I follow all their advice what they say but my knowledge is different to other boxers,”
“They have the degrees and diplomas but they don’t have achievements,” Mary Kom added.
She concluded by stating how essential clinching the silverware is and the impact triumph has on the athlete and the ecosystem as a whole.
“Winning medals matters a lot,” she signed off.
