Mary to give Nationals a miss

Mary Kom's last appearance in a National Championship was way back in 2008 in Agra when she clinched the 46kg category gold medal.

She missed the 2009 and 2010 editions since she was craing for her new born twins.

"I will not compete in the national championships this year because I want youngsters to come up," the five-time world champion said today on the sidelines of a press conference to announce the setting up of a Boxing Academy here.

The ninth senior national women's boxing championships will start tomorrow in Guwahati.

The 29-year-old mother-of-two, who clinched the 51kg category bronze in the London Olympics, is game for a second Games' appearance in 2016.

"I have heard that the International Boxing Association might include the 48kg category in the 2016 editions. If that happens, it would be easier for me to participate," said the diminutive Manipuri, who was lone Indian in fray when women's boxing made its Olympic debut in London.