I was caught by surprise at Rajya Sabha nomination: Mary Kom

Star woman boxer says she is focusing more on Rio Olympics than her role in Parliament

Left surprised by the Rajya Sabha nomination, star Indian woman boxer M C Mary Kom today said she does not have the time to think about her new role right now as her focus is on qualifying for the Olympics.

London Olympics bronze-medallist Mary Kom said it was a great honour to be nominated for the Rajya Sabha but she would not put herself under pressure by thinking about the role she would play in the Parliament.

"It was a great honour to be nominated for Rajya Sabha. It was a sudden development and I was surprised. When I was told that I would be nominated for the Rajya Sabha, I started thinking what would I do as an MP," Mary Kom told reporters at an event to name Bollywood superstar Salman Khan as Goodwill Ambassador of the Indian contingent for the Rio Olympics.

"I have not qualified for the Olympics yet and till I qualify for the Olympics, I am not going to think about what would be my role as a Parliamentarian. Doing that will put pressure on me in my effort for the Rio qualification. So, my sole focus is now to qualify for the Rio Olympics," said the 33-year-old five-time world champion.

Mary Kom could not qualify for the Rio Olympics during the Asian Championships earlier this month as she lost in the semifinals of the 51kg category. She has another chance to book a Rio berth in next month's World Championships.

When told that many a celebrities nominated to the Rajya Sabha did not perform their roles, with some not even attending the Parliament often, the Manipuri boxer said, "I know all those thing and I will attend to them later. It will be a kind of double task for me. I will see as the time comes."

Goaded by Salman about her plans as an MP, Mary Kom said, "I will try to do my best and work for the upliftment for Indian sports and sportspersons. I am a boxer but I will work for the betterment of all the sports."

On whether the nomination opens up the possibility of sequel to her hugely successful biopic, Mary Kom said, "I will perform all my roles in the Part 2 all alone. I will not give any role to anybody."

She thanked Salman for coming on board as the Goodwill Ambassador of the Indian Olympics contingent.

"Salman bhai will inspire the Indian to do their best in the Olympics. His association will also raise the interest of the fans in the performance of Indian athletes in Olympic sports," she said.