Mary Kom delighted to get Khel Ratna award

IMPHAL - Mangte Chungneijang Mary Kom, a four-time women’s world boxing champion, has expressed her delight for being awarded with the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award.

Regarded as country’s highest sporting honour, the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award would be conferred on her by President Pratibha Patil on August 29.

“I am very happy that I am getting this award. Because this kind of award is very prestigious for a sports person,” said Mary.

Mary’s interest in boxing was inspired by the success of Manipur’s male boxer Dingko Singh, but she took up the sport in an effort to provide some financial assistance to her family

She had begun boxing in 2000, with a determination to make her mark in the boxing world and now her family and friends are elated with her achievement.

“I am extremely happy and from my family side as well. I am thanking god for this award,” said Onler Kom, Mary Kom’s Husband.

Mary further said that she owed the glory of the award to her coaches, who moulded and shaped her into what she is today and above all, her belief in God, which has made all this possible.

She has several achievements under her belt, at the national level she has grabbed 10 gold medals since 2000, and in the international arena, she had collected 14 gold and two silver medals.

Apart from this, she had been bestowed with seven titles including the Arjuna Award, Padmashree and Indian Real Heroes Award.

Mary Kom and Olympic bronze medallist Vijender are the first boxers to get the award, which carries prize money of Rs 7,50,000 and a citation. (ANI)