Mary Kom Clarifies Retirement Rumors: “I Haven’t Announced Retirement Yet”

In a recent turn of events, Indian boxing legend Mary Kom has categorically denied rumors surrounding her retirement from the sport. The six-time world champion addressed media reports that suggested she had hung up her boxing gloves, asserting that she has been misquoted.

Speaking to ANI, Mary Kom stated, “I haven’t announced retirement yet, and I have been misquoted. I will personally come in front of the media whenever I want to announce it. I have gone through some media reports stating that I have announced retirement, and this is not true.”

The confusion arose when media reports quoted Mary Kom during an event in Dibrugarh, where she was said to have declared her retirement. However, the boxing icon clarified her statement, shedding light on her actual words.

“I was attending a school event in Dibrugarh on January 24, 2024, wherein I was motivating children, and I said, ‘I still have the hunger of achieving in sports, but the age limit in Olympics doesn’t allow me to participate, though I can carry on with my sport. I am still focusing on my fitness, and whenever I will announce retirement, I will inform everyone,'” Mary Kom explained.

Reports had suggested that Mary Kom, at 41 years old, had retired and was considering future endeavors related to boxing. Responding to these claims, she expressed her ongoing passion for the sport and her eagerness to compete and represent the country. She acknowledged the age restrictions imposed by the International Boxing Association (IBA) for Olympic participation but indicated that she might explore opportunities in professional boxing.

“If I say from my heart, I am still hungry to do something. I still want to compete and represent the country. But I am not being able to compete this year because of the age limit. But I will still try to do something related to boxing. (I) May go pro, but don’t know yet what I will do,” Mary Kom stated.

Despite facing setbacks due to a major injury and subsequent recovery, Mary Kom remains one of the most decorated boxers in the history of women’s boxing. With six world titles and eight World Championships to her name, she continues to inspire and challenge the boundaries of the sport. As the rumors swirl, Mary Kom stands firm, asserting that the day she decides to retire, she will make the announcement herself.