Will give my best for a bigger medal, says Mary Kom

London, Aug 6 (IANS):

Star boxer M.C. Mary Kom was jubilant after ensuring fourth medal for India from the London Olympic Games and said she wants to keep up the momentum for a bigger medal.

The 29-year-old Mary Kom, a mother of twins, is now assured of a medal after she booked a place in the semi-final, beating Tunisian Maroua Rahali 15-6 in a one-sided quarter-final at the ExCel Arena.

Losing semi-finalists are assured of bronze medals. But Mary Kom has her eyes fixed on the Olympic gold.

“It feels great to win an Olympic medal for the country. But I want to carry on the momentum or a bigger medal,” said Mary Kom.

Asked about her chances in the semis against home favourite Nicola Adams, Mary Kom said: “She is a good boxer. I lost to her in the World Championship quarter-final by just two points. Boxing is a very tough sport and winning or losing is a part of the game. But I will give my best.”

Mary Kom said she missed her Liverpool-based personal coach Charles Atkinson, who couldn’t attend the bout due to family problems.

Mary Kom hoped Atkinson would be with her during the semi-final bout Wednesday. But Atkinson doesn’t possess the license required to be in the ring.

“Today, I really missed Charles. Today he couldn’t be with me due to some family problems. But I am sure he will be with me Tuesday,” said Mary Kom.

Mary Kom said it has been a tough journey for her in the past two years since she had to jump twice in weight categories to qualify for the 51kg in the Games.

“I used to fight in 46. But I had to jump to 48kg and then 51kg categories. For the last two years, I have been fighting in the 51 kg. It was tough. Reducing weight is easier than putting on,” she said.