New Delhi, Oct 31: Six-time world champion M C Mary Kom has been included in a 10-strong athlete ambassadors group to represent boxers in the build-up to next year’s Tokyo Olympic Games by the IOC’s Task Force for the sport, adding to the iconic pugilist’s innumerable achievements.
Mary Kom will represent the Asian bloc in the group, which also comprises the likes of Ukrainian legend Vasyl Lamachenko (Europe), a two-time Olympic and world gold-medallist who now plies his trade in the professional circuit, and five-time world champion and 2016 Olympic gold-winner Julio Cesar La Cruz (Americas) among others.
“It is a huge honour, sort of an achievement but also a responsibility because I have to work towards helping my fellow athletes. I will try to do my best as always,” Mary Kom, who is also a Rajya Sabha MP, said.
“It’s funny that I have been named in this group at a time when there is a negative campaign against me for no good reason,” said the veteran, referring to the controversy triggered by former junior world champion Nikhat Zareen demanding a trial bout against her before the team for next year’s Olympic qualifiers is decided.
Mary Kom maintained that she would abide by the federation’s decision on the matter but later questioned Zareen’s credentials and motives after it was insinuated in media reports that she was evading competition. Mary Kom, most recently, defeated Zareen in the semifinals of India Open in May this year.
“One female and one male ambassador per region will take on the role of engaging with the boxing community both in person and digitally,” the IOC said in a statement.
“They will also help the Boxing Task Force (BTF) take into account the athletes’ voice in all areas of its planning for the qualification events and the boxing tournament at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020,” it added.
The Athletes Ambassadors’ Group:
Men: Lukmo Lawal (Africa), Julio Cesar La Cruz (Americas), Jianguan Asiahu (Asia), Vasyl Lamachenko (Europe), David Nyika (Oceania).
Women: Khadija Mardi (Africa), Mikaela Mayer (Americas), M C Mary Kom (Asia), Sarah Ourahmoune (Europe), Shelley Watts (Oceania). (PTI)
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