Boxer Mary Kom to return to 48kg category

Five-time World Champion boxer M.C. Mary Kom asserted on Friday that she aims to return to the 48 kg weight category amid speculation that it could be included in the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.

The star boxer from Manipur had won all her world titles in women's 48kg division but had moved up to the women's 51kg category in order to compete at the Olympics.

She had taken a bronze in her new weight class at the 2012 London Olympics but was unable to qualify for the Rio Olympics earlier this year.

But with the International Boxing Federation (AIBA) reportedly thinking about including the 48kg division in the Tokyo Games, Mary is hoping to win an Olympic medal of a better hue.

AIBA President Ching Kuo Wu had said last year that two categories may be added to the existing three categories -- 51kg, 60kg and 75 kg -- by the 2020 Olympics.

Asserting that she intends to make up for the disappointment of not making it to the Rio Olympics, Mary said that maintaining her weight for the 51kg class was proving to be a difficult task.

"Yes, I am planning to go back to the 48kg weight category. I am back as this is my real and original weight (category) in which I am fit to," Mary told IANS on Friday.

The 33-year-old asserted that she is looking forward to recapturing her old form in the 48kg category and is aiming for glory at the Tokyo Olympics.

"I was disappointed when I could not qualify for the Rio Olympics. If the AIBA includes the 48kg category in the Tokyo Olympics, I will have a chance to make amends.

"I will see. I am still very much fit and will be in the camp very soon," she said.

--IANS

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