I am not going pro, will quit after Rio Olympics: Mary Kom

Olympics bronze-medallist pugilist Vijender Singh might have turned professional but Indian woman boxing icon said she's not turning pro and would concentrate on her academy post retirement after Rio Olympics 2016

Kolkata: Olympics bronze-medallist pugilist Vijender Singh might have turned professional but Indian woman boxing icon MC Mary Kom yesterday said she's not turning pro and would concentrate on her academy post retirement after Rio Olympics 2016.


India's Mary Kom celebrates after winning the Women's Flyweight Final of the 2014 Asian Games at Incheon in October last year. Pic/Getty Images 

"As for me, I'm not turning pro. I've already announced that this (Rio 2016) would be my last Olympics and I would call it quits after this," the Olympic bronze medalist told reporters yesterday.

The 32-year-old Mary Kom said she would focus on winning another medal for India before calling it quits in 2016.

"I'm looking forward to bag another medal and do the country proud. My preparation is going on very well for the Rio Olympics. After Olympics, my focus is on training kids back home and I'll concentrate on my academy. I want India win more medals in boxing and that's why my target is to train youngsters in my academy.

I want to share my experience with them," the Manipuri boxer added.

On Vijeder's decision, she said: "It would be better if you ask him (about turning pro). I don't want to comment on that. It's his personal choice.

"As for me, this is my last Olympics. At the same time I'm also a mother and I want to give time to my family. I want to do social work. I don't want to turn pro."

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