Update (Jan 25, 11:49am): Legendary boxer Mary Kom clarified on Thursday that she has not retired from boxing, despite reports stating otherwise. Kom explained that in her remarks on Wednesday, she was pointing out that age restrictions prevent her from competing in the Olympics, not announcing the end of her career.Boxing champion Mary Kom says, I havent announced retirement yet and I have been misquoted. I will personally come in front of 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. I was… pic.twitter.com/VxAcFsq44v— ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2024Age restrictions force Mary Kom into retirement from Amateur BoxingMary Kom, the legendary Indian boxer who became a trailblazer for women in the sport, has announced her retirement at the age of 41.Kom cited the International Boxing Associations (IBA) age limit as the primary reason behind her decision to hang up her gloves. As per IBA rules, male and female boxers can only compete at the elite level until the age of 40.I have the hunger still but unfortunately because of the age limit it is over I cannot compete in any competition. I want to play more but I am being forced to quit (due to the age limit). I have to retire. I have achieved everything in my life, said Kom at an event yesterday.While disappointed that she can no longer compete, Kom leaves behind a legacy as one of Indias most decorated athletes. She became the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in boxing, clinching bronze in the flyweight category at the 2012 London Games.Before her historic Olympic medal, Kom was already a world champion five times over. She would go on to win the world championships once more in 2019, amassing a record eight medals at the global event. No other male or female boxer has won as many.Kom also collected seven medals at the Asian Boxing Championships, including six golds. Her trophy cabinet shimmers with accolades from the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and various other international competitions.Inspirational on and off the ringNicknamed Magnificent Mary, Kom transcended her sport to become an inspiration for women competing in male-dominated arenas. Her steely determination and skill in the ring shattered gender stereotypes and motivated countless young girls to achieve their dreams.Off the canvas, Kom has been honored with some of Indias top civilian awards, including the Padma Bhushan in 2013 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2020. She was appointed a national observer for boxing in 2017 and became a Member of Parliament in Rajya Sabha in 2016.While Kom expressed disappointment about having to retire, her legacy is firmly cemented in Indias sporting history. The trailblazer demonstrated through her storied career what women can achieve with talent, hard work and perseverance. At 41, Kom leaves the sport as a magnificent champion who conquered boxings highest summits and inspired generations along the way.
