It takes a lot to make a five-time boxing World Champion break down in front of a hall full of people, but it looks like MC Mary Kom has had just about enough.
The Olympic bronze medalist was attending a press event in Mumbai on Thursday when she could not control her tears while talking about the regional bias she faces during boxing selections.
Sometimes I feel very upset. Some of the referees and judges do not favour me but I don’t mind. Okay I am from north-east, no problem, but I am still an Indian.
– MC Mary Kom to Times Now
Mary Kom has been a pioneer in her field and paved the way for thousand of young female boxers, but the 32-year-old now alleges that the selectors in the Indian boxing federation are coming between her and her dreams of a medal at the Rio Olympics.
Talking about Pinky Jangra who competes in the same weight category as her, Mary told the media present at the event that the boxer from Haryana is constantly favoured, despite being beaten regularly by Mary.
There are so many controversies. Pinky Jangra, I always defeat her and prove it to get a gold medal in every competition but they (boxing selectors) continue to support her. It is still okay. I will prove myself in the ring.
– MC Mary Kom to Times Now
This is not the first time Mary Kom has spoken out against boxing’s biased selection process. The bronze medalist from the London Olympics in 2012 was dropped from the contingent that represented India at the Commonwealth Games in 2014.
Pinky Jangra was given her spot after she beat Mary in a bout she claimed was poorly scored.
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