After historic performance in 2018, Mary Kom eyes Olympic gold medal

With record-breaking performances across the world, the year 2018 was nothing short of spectacular when it comes to international sporting events. Indian sportspersons, in particular, were second to none in many categories with many breaking existing world records and scripting history.

Indian boxing star Mary Kom was one such name who deserves a special mention as we summarise the year. The 35-year-old became the most successful female boxer in World Championships history after clinching her sixth gold medal in November.

She defeated Ukraine's Hanna Okhota 5-0 in the final of the 48kg category contest in front of an electric home crowd. The results read 30-27, 29-28, 29-28, 30-27, 30-27 in favour of 'Magnificent Mary'.

Add WION as a Preferred Source

Her sixth goldtookher past Ireland's Katie Taylor, andat parwith the men's record held by Cuban legend Felix Savon. Mary Kom, mother-of-three, managed to deliver what no other woman boxer has done or known before.

The feisty Manipuri was awarded Arjuna Award for boxing in 2003, Padma Shri in 2006, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award in 2009,andPadma Bhushan in 2013 by the Indian government for her contribution to the sport.

Kom, who was the subject of a Bollywood film in 2014, won bronze at the London 2012 Olympic Games and without breaking a sweat, she expressed her hunger for clinching gold in the upcoming Summer Olympics.

Just after winning the historic World Championships title, Mary talked about her qualification for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, she said, "I feel I will be able to qualify for 2020 Tokyo Olympics."

Lately, there is uncertainty about boxing's inclusion in the 2020 Tokyo and boxing is fighting for its Olympic future due toa clashbetween International Amateur Boxing Association (AIBA) and International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Even if the sports gets a green light, Kom is also aware that qualification will be difficult as she mentioned, "I know it will be a bit difficult for me to win a gold in Tokyo as I will have to fight in 51kg."

"Because of their reach, the taller boxers (who will be in 51kg) will have advantage. But I am still dreaming about winning the gold in 2020 Olympics," she added.

Despite that, Mary Kom is eying the shiny bright yellow metal in the Summer Games, 2020. She is also an animal rights activist and aMember of the Rajya Sabha, theUpperHouse of Indian Parliament in 2016.