Critics want me to keep proving myself: Mary Kom

London - India’s five-time women’s boxing world champion M.C. Mary Kom says there are a lot of critics who feel that she will not to do well in the 51kg category at the London Olympics.

“The critics and some of my well wishers still want me to prove myself after 12 years in this sport and after winning five World Championships,” the diminutive boxer said at the Games village here Saturday.

Mary Kom had specially come to the village for a weigh-in and went back to Liverpool where she is practising. Her event is slated for Aug 5.

“I have won my World Championships in 46 and 48kg. These weight categories are not in Asian or Olympic Games. Boxing was introduced in Asian Games only in 2010 and there I got a bronze in 51 kg. Before that for over a decade I was fighting in lower weight categories. Here also I am in 51kg, I have no complaints. My critics may not know but I know what I have to do,” she said.

The boxer said there was no point in trying to predict the outcome.

“Sports is very unpredictable and depends on the form on that day in the ring. Some say I have an easy draw but I don’t look at it that way, if you underestimate your rival and you are too over confident, you are in trouble,” she said.

“I am told if I win two bouts I will be winning a medal. I am not taking things lightly. I am focused because like me, my opponents must also have her plans and strategies, let us not forget that.”

She, however, admitted that like any other sportsperson on this planet, she also wanted to win an Olympic medal, to be on the podium in front of the entire world.

“I have a dream, an ambition and burning desire to win the Olympic medal.

“I think this (Olympics) is going to be a big challenge for me. Though in last Asian Championship in Mongolia I won a Gold (in 51Kg) and then last month in China I also qualified for the Olympics.”

She, however, admitted that though she has been boxing in this category for the last two years, she has not yet had any chance to fight against any well-known European boxer.

“I wish they introduce 46 and 48kg categories in the Asian and Olympics. I will definitely like to box in those categories.”