I want to retire after Tokyo Olympics, says Mary Kom

After years of speculation over her retirement, six-time world champion MC Mary Kom on Thursday said she plans to hang her gloves after winning elusive gold medal at Tokyo Olympics.

36-year-old has been inspiring force in Indian boxing. In her 18-year long illustrious career, she has won six World Championships, an Olympic bronze medal, and five Asian Championships.

Besides being an active and top-level boxer, she is also a sitting Rajya Sabha MP.

"After 2020 I want to retire. So my main mission is to get a gold for India. I really really want to win ( gold)," Mary Kom said on sidelines of an event organised by Colgate.

Mary Kom won bronze medal in flyweight category at 2012 London Olympics. She w aims to change she of her medal to gold.

"I always try my best to give a medal to country and if possible a gold. I will be starting my preparation for Olympic qualifiers and World Championship. I want to win a gold medal this time."

RE | WATCH: Ace Boxer Mary Kom Packs A Power Punch With Her Singing Skills, Leaves Audience Mesmerised By Performing 'What’s Up' By An American Rock Band

boxing fraternity is facing tumultuous conditions in run up to Olympics next year. International Olympic Committee (IOC) has stripped International Boxing Association (AIBA) from hosting events at Tokyo Olympics.

IOC has anunced that it will prepare a new calendar for Olympic qualifiers between January and May next year and it may even have a re-look at weight categories. Indian pugilists are stuck in a limbo but Mary Kom feels it is beneficial for her if qualifiers are held next year.

"It is actually better for me I will get more time to prepare," she said.

"We are training regularly for all competitions t just Olympics. In World Championship, I will get to kw opponents, what ir strengths and weaknesses are. Accordingly I can prepare. I will also get extra time for preparing if qualifiers are held later."

After failing to qualify for Rio Games, Mary Kom h changed her weight category to 48kg in December 2016 but w pugilist from Manipur is back to competing in 51kg.

Asked about transition, Mary Kom said: "51kg category is t new for me. I was fighting in this category 4-5 years back. It was t continuous because I kept changing my weight." 

RE | Skipping Asian Championships Part Of Plan To Qualify For Olympics: Mary Kom