Has Mary Kom announced her retirement? Here's what the six-time world champion boxer said

Amid numerous news reports speculating on the retirement of six-time World Champion and London Olympics bronze medallist boxer MC Mary Kom, the athlete has finally addressed the media's coverage of her potential retirement from the sport. "I have gone through some media reports stating that I have announced retirement and this is not true."

ALSO READ | Women's World Boxing Championships Final: Lovlina Borgohain gets India's 4th GOLD medal, wins by split decision 

She said, "I haven't announced retirement yet and I have been misquoted. I will personally come in front of the media whenever I want to announce it," ANI quoted.

Mary clarified her statement, which she made at an event on Wednesday. "I was attending a school event in Dibrugarh on January 24 where I was motivating children. I said I still have a hunger for achieving (laurels) in sports but the age limit in the Olympics doesn’t allow me to participate, though I can carry on with my sport. I am still focusing on my fitness and whenever I will announce retirement I will inform everyone," she said.

What led to the news coverage of Mary Kom's purported retirement?

ANI had previously reported on Mary Kom's retirement, especially after the rules of the International Boxing Association (IBA) stated boxers are permitted to participate in the Olympics only until the age of 40.

ALSO READ | Taapsee Pannu's Shabaash Mithu fails to impress: Here's how other sports biopics fared at the box office 

"I have the hunger still but unfortunately, because of the age limit, it is over. I cannot compete in any competition. I want to play more but I am being forced to quit (due to the age limit). I have to retire. I have achieved everything in my life," ANI earlier quoted Mary as saying during an event.

About Mary Kom:

The female boxer was the first to clinch six world titles and also the first Indian woman to secure a gold medal in boxing at the 2014 Asian Games.

Mary Kom began her international career at the age of 18 and reached the finals in her inaugural world meet. Although she did not win, she went on to win World Championships in 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010, and 2018, along with an Olympic bronze in 2012. 

ALSO READ | Priyanka Chopra showers praise on Mary Kom after her Olympics exit: 'What ultimate champion looks like' 

Despite taking breaks for childbirth, Mary made a successful return when she won her sixth world title in 2018 and added an eighth world medal in 2019—an unparalleled record in the realm of boxing.