Mary Kom Urges Indian Boxers to Focus on Performance Ahead of Major Competitions
Mary Kom's Key Advice to Young Boxers
Mary Kom, an Olympic medalist and six-time world champion, has encouraged Indian boxers to maintain their focus and avoid becoming overconfident as they gear up for upcoming continental events. She emphasized that their primary objective should be to secure gold medals for India at prestigious competitions like the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.
During the Fit India Sundays On Cycle event organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS), Mary Kom, a recipient of the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna and Padma Vibhushan awards, advised young athletes to keep their aspirations private and let their achievements in the ring speak for themselves. "I want to remind the youth representing India to aim solely for gold for the nation," she stated to SAI Media. "Sometimes, in their enthusiasm, athletes declare in interviews that they will win gold at the Asian Games or Commonwealth Games. However, if they fall short, it can reflect poorly. So, keep that goal close to your heart, work diligently, and give your best effort," she added.
Growth of Fit India Sundays
Initiated in December 2024 by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya, Fit India Sundays on Cycle has evolved into a significant movement, engaging over 28 lakh citizens across more than 2.63 lakh locations nationwide. The cycling event at the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Swimming Complex in the National Capital saw participation from over 700 individuals.
Mary Kom's Reflections on Women's Boxing
Mary Kom reflected on the transformation of women's boxing in India, noting the substantial changes since her early career. She highlighted government initiatives like the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), which offers financial support, coaching, and world-class training to elite athletes, and Khelo India, which nurtures grassroots talent. "In my time, we lacked many facilities and support in sports. The little assistance we received from the state, central government, and federation was hard-earned. Now, the landscape has changed significantly. Today's athletes benefit from superior infrastructure and programs," she remarked.
According to Mary Kom, these initiatives have fostered an environment where young athletes can advance more rapidly and achieve greater success on the global stage.
Khelo India Tribal Games: A Platform for Talent
The former world champion expressed her support for the ongoing Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 in Chhattisgarh, calling it a vital platform for identifying talent from remote and tribal areas across the nation. As a member of the Kom tribe from Manipur, she believes the event will help integrate many talented athletes into the national sports framework.
Mary Kom noted that promising athletes from the event could eventually join training programs managed by the Sports Authority of India (SAI), including Khelo India Centres (KICs) and National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), where they can receive advanced coaching.
"There is immense talent within tribal communities. Many come from isolated regions and may not be aware of the opportunities in sports," she stated. "With the Khelo India Tribal Games taking place at the national level, athletes from various states are gaining exposure. I extend my gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya for broadening opportunities for athletes from rural and tribal backgrounds," she added.
"Tribal individuals are incredibly hardworking. They grow up in challenging environments and possess remarkable natural strength and endurance," she concluded.
"When talent and dedication are paired with the right support, medals will follow swiftly for the country," she asserted.
Pullela Gopichand Promotes Fitness in Hyderabad
In Hyderabad, national badminton coach Pullela Gopichand served as the chief guest at the Fit India Sundays on Cycle event, which attracted over 1,000 participants. Organized by the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad Cycling Club, the event transformed the campus into a vibrant fitness hub, featuring 10 km and 20 km cycling routes, warm-up sessions, Zumba, and community engagement activities.
This initiative aligns with the Fit India Movement's goal of promoting daily fitness through simple, sustainable practices like cycling. Addressing the attendees, Gopichand stressed the importance of incorporating sports into everyday life, stating that physical activity fosters long-term strength and discipline. He encouraged students to make sports a regular part of their lives and commended IIT Hyderabad for consistently fostering a culture of fitness through initiatives such as half-marathons and cycling events.
Fit India Sundays on Cycle is organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) in collaboration with various organizations, including the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), Indian Rope Skipping Federation, Yogasana Bharat, Raahgiri Foundation, MY Bikes, and MY Bharat. The cycling initiative is conducted simultaneously across all States and Union Territories, including SAI Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), SAI Training Centres (STCs), Khelo India State Centres of Excellence (KISCEs), and Khelo India Centres (KICs).