Mary Kom Considers Transition to Professional Boxing After Amateur Success

M C Mary Kom, the celebrated Indian boxer and Olympic bronze medallist, is contemplating a transition to professional boxing as she faces age restrictions in amateur competitions. At 43, she reflects on her remarkable achievements, including six world championships, while emphasizing her commitment to grassroots sports development through her academy in Manipur. With India gearing up for major global sporting events, Mary Kom stresses the importance of sports in enhancing the nation's international reputation and praises government initiatives like Khelo India. Her insights into the inclusion of tribal youth in national programs highlight the evolving landscape of sports in India. Discover more about her journey and future aspirations in the full article.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 29, 2026, 15:52 IST

Mary Kom's Potential Shift to Professional Boxing

Indian boxing legend M C Mary Kom, who has clinched an Olympic bronze and six world championships, revealed on Sunday her contemplation of entering the professional boxing arena. At 43, she acknowledges that she has surpassed the age limit for amateur competitions.

Reflecting on her illustrious career, she stated, "Winning six World Championships was a remarkable achievement. However, age restrictions have hindered my ability to compete in amateur boxing for my country, but now a new path in Professional Boxing has emerged." This announcement came during her participation in the Sundays on Cycle event.

Mary Kom is currently evaluating this new opportunity, expressing her dedication to training and making a comeback to showcase her enduring capabilities.

Recognized as one of the finest amateur boxers, she also emphasized her dedication to nurturing young talent through her academy in Manipur. "I am actively involved with my academy, frequently traveling back and forth, although the current situation in Manipur can pose challenges," she shared.

Despite these difficulties, she remains committed to her academy, managing operations remotely when necessary. "My aspiration is to maintain my fitness for as long as possible, irrespective of age," she added.

As India prepares to host significant global sporting events like the 2030 Commonwealth Games and potentially the 2036 Olympics, Mary Kom highlighted the critical role of sports in enhancing the country's international stature. "The development of sports is vital; without it, a nation struggles to establish a global presence. Sports are the driving force behind a country's progress," she remarked.

She commended government initiatives aimed at bolstering sports infrastructure and identifying talent, particularly through programs like Khelo India and the Fit India Movement. "While we can't yet compare it to the IPL's scale, boxing infrastructure has seen substantial improvements, with the government providing excellent facilities through initiatives like Khelo India and Fit India. There is a rising awareness of fitness across the nation now," she noted.

Mary Kom also pointed out the inclusion of tribal youth in national sports programs, referencing advancements in Chhattisgarh. "Previously, the Tribal Games in Chhattisgarh were localized, but now the government is elevating them to a national level under the Khelo India initiative," she explained.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya are making significant strides to support tribal athletes. In the past, there was a lack of awareness regarding the talent in tribal sports, but now, with seven disciplines currently active in Chhattisgarh, that is changing."