Athletes can’t blame anyone else for failing at weigh-in: Boxer Mary Kom

Former India boxer MC Mary Kom has given her take on the weight management of athletes participating in the weight-bound sports. Recently, India wrestler Vinesh Phogat faced unfortunate disqualification at the Paris Olympics 2024 on the morning of her final bout of the Women’s 50kg Freestyle Wrestling.
Phogat was found 100g heavier than the prescribed limit of 50kg and hence faced immediate disqualification from the event which pushed her to the last spot. Commenting on Phogat’s case, Kom stated that she felt disappointed as she’s also done the same thing.
“I felt so disappointed in the sense that I have also done the same (weight management) for the last so many years. Weight is important, that is my responsibility. I cannot blame anyone,” Mary Kom was quoted as saying by PTI.
Further speaking ahead, Kom also mentioned that during her playing days she always took the responsibility of managing her weight on herself.
“I do not want to say this in her case. I am saying this in my case only. If I do not cut the weight properly then how will I play? I am there to win a medal and that is what I think,” she added.
Notably, Mary Kom won the bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics in the women’s 51kg boxing, an event that was making its debut at the Olympics. The Indian boxer has also won six gold medals, a silver and a bronze at the World Boxing Championship.
She also has one gold medal each in the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. Apart from that, she won five gold medals at the Asian Championships along with two silvers.
Meanwhile, after her Olympic heartbreak, Vinesh Phogat has joined politics and is contesting from the Julana constituency in Jind in the Haryana Assembly Elections 2024.