IMPHAL, May 31 (NNN): Star Indian boxer MC Mary Kom said here today she will do her best in uplifting the tribal people’s sports in Manipur.
The Liangmai Naga Council (LNC) felicitated the pugilist on being nominated to Rajya Sabha as an MP at her residence located at Langol Game Village here.
Clad in traditional dress of Liangmai tribe, presented by LNC at the event, the 33-year-old said the tribal people in Manipur are at the very early stage with regard to the field of games and sports comparing to the majority community of the state.
A memento was also presented to Mary by LNC on the occasion.
But the five-time world amateur boxing champion and Olympics bronze medalist said she cannot make any commitment on development of the tribal people’s sports.
“I’ll try my best to uplift it. I cannot make any commitment. But I’ll make best effort to work for them as an MP. Hope the God has given me the task to elevate the minority people,” Mary said.
“Even in my long career, I have never make commitment on getting gold medals. I always tell the press that I will try my best. But athletes always want medals.”
Mary said she thought God did not want to double her success. She failed to qualify for the upcoming Rio Olympics.
“Now, I’m an MP. I think I should regret any more because it’s the will of God who wants me to take to a new path. I’m indeed very happy to take the offer from the Prime Minister and BJP,” she said.
However, she admitted that she needs experience which she said would be able to get in one-two years as soon as she starts her work as an MP.
“I’m neither a huge celebrity nor a well-educated person. I’m not eloquent either. I have to work hard and get experience.”
Mary studied only till standard VIII and never had a flair for studies. She was in love with the game of boxing and wanted to learn the art and skill.
She said, “My husband had told me my nomination was a well deserved. He had said I would surely become a public leader one day. I did not even dream of it. I was caught by surprise.”
Former MP Mani Charanamei, who was also present on the occasion, said the hill districts do not have proper sports grounds and sought help from Mary Kom in developing sports infrastructure for nurturing and identifying talented tribal sports persons.
“When I was an MP, the NEC and DoNER sanctioned for developing sports stadium in the hills but we do not see any of them till date,” he regretted.
He urged upon Mary to work towards all-round development of the hills.
