The secret of MC Mary Kom’s success is in maintaining her body weight, and the petite pugilist is hoping to add a fourth world title to her haul as she returns to the boxing ring. The defending 46kg champion is now game for yet another world championship — her fifth on the trot — at Ningbo in China this November.

Mary Kom’s main concern at the moment, though, is proving her fitness and winning gold at September’s Asian Championship in Guwahati.

The Manipuri is vigorously going through weight training and sparring sessions with her team mates at the Hissar camp for the past month. Speaking to The Indian Express, she said it was difficult to sit for more than a year and a half and do nothing. She gave birth to twins a while back and had to keep the boxing gloves away.

“I had to take complete rest, doctors had advised me not to box for some time. Then I had to take care of my sons. It was a difficult period but my husband was very cooperative. At the moment, I am focussing on regaining my fitness and form,” she said.

Mary Kom was immensely pleased for bronze medallist Vijender Singh. “It was a great day for Indian boxing. We all watched it on TV, and he fought really well in the semi-finals as well. Even Akhil (Kumar) and Jitender (Kumar) did well to reach the quarter-finals,” she said.

“Vijender and his team mates have inspired us all. We hope in the London Games women’s boxing will be included and we can win a few more medals.”

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