Respect Vijender's decision to turn pro: Mary Kom

Olympic bronze medallist boxer M.C. Mary Kom on Sunday said fellow pugilist Vijender Singh has earned the right to decide his future and she respects his decision to turn professional and thus not be available for representing India at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Vijender, bronze medallist at the 2008 Olympics and two-time medal winner in Asian Games, announced last month that he was joining boxing promoting company Queensbury Promotions in a "landmark, four-year deal".

He will appear in at least six fights in the first year of his contract with his debut fight likely to be scheduled in September-October.

His move created a lot of controversy as it was deemed to be selfish and against the interests of his country. But Mary said Vijender has the right to decide on his future.

"Vijender turning pro is his decision... he has after all won so many medals for the country. I respect whatever he is doing," she said at a programme here on Sunday.

However, she added she had no wish to turn professional and wants to retire wearing a India shirt.

"I am not turning pro. I could have done that earlier. I want to train kids so that they can be future champs for India... I want to share my experience with them," she said.

Mary also said that her own preparation for the showpiece event was going on smoothly and that it will likely be her last action in competitive boxing.

"Olympics preparation... doing it daily... it is going quite well. Rio Olympics will be my last... after that will concentrate on my academy... the one I am about to start."

Mary also urged the government to start self-defence classes in schools, colleges and universities for women in view of the recent violence against them.

"I am deeply saddened by the sudden rise in atrocities against women. I would want the government schools, colleges and universities to start self-defence classes like karate, martial arts to empower women," she said.

Five-time world amateur boxing champion Mary, a mother of three, elaborated on her decision to quit saying that it was becoming increasingly difficult for her to balance boxing and motherhood.

"Being a mother, it is difficult to fight. I have kids and it's time I take care and look after them," the 32-year-old Manipuri said.