Boxing queen Mary Kom eyes swan song at Rio Olympics

'After Rio it might be difficult. Maybe it could be my last tournament'

'Whenever I compete people expect me to win and I try to do better every time'

London Olympics bronze medallist MC Mary Kom declared her intention to bow out on a high at the Rio Games in 2016.

"Yes, that is my main aim. After I recover from my injury I plan to compete in qualifying tournaments next year and make it to the Rio Olympics," said Mary, in Mumbai on Thursday.

"After Rio it might be difficult. Maybe it could be my last tournament."

Mary, who is supported by Olympic Gold Quest, also threw her weight behind fellow-boxer Sarita Devi, currently serving a provisional suspension from the sport for refusing to accept the bronze medal at the Incheon Asian Games.

"I just want to say that I want her suspension to be lifted as soon as possible," she said.

Earlier this year, Mary failed to qualify for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow but staged a strong comeback by winning the gold medal at the Asian Games.

The five-time World champion had clinched a bronze medal when women's boxing made its debut at the 2012 Olympics.

However, after the London Games, she was forced to take a lay-off of around 18 months, as she underwent two surgeries and had her third baby before returning to training this May.

"I came back before the Asian Games. I was coming back within a year after having my third child. I did a lot of hard work in training and had an injury in my hamstring and on my back. Those are minor injuries and with proper treatment I will be fine.

"I hope to be in action soon next year and compete in major tournaments. Whenever I compete people expect me to win and I try to do better every time."

The ace boxer was presented a cheque for Rs 500,000 by Edelweiss Tokio Life Insurance, who raised the amount through crowd sourcing, for developing infrastructure for the Mary Kom boxing academy in Manipur.

"I have many talented boxers in my academy. The construction work is still going on and we are still getting funds. We are trying to finish it this year. After that I will be able to identify the talented boxers and help them develop further," she said.