No retirement plans for Magnificent Mary

New Delhi: Age is just a number for M.C. Mary Kom. Her career spanning almost two decades is an account of her sheer determination and love for the sport and greed for success. On Saturday, she scripted history to become the first female boxer to clinch her sixth world title and there is no plan for the 35-year-old to slow down.

Mary now trained her eyes to win gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

“I want to win an Olympic gold for my nation and would like to compete in Tokyo,” said Mary, who had a bronze from 2012 Games.

“Unfortunately, 48kg is not part of Olympic event. I had to shift category twice over. There is no (48kg) weight category in the Olympic Games. Because of my fans’ love and support, I feel I will be able to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Four years ago, I was not able to qualify for Rio and I am still suffering from that,” she said.

“I don’t have anything to give except for a gold to my country. I know it will be a bit difficult for me to win a gold in Tokyo as I will have to fight in 51kg but I will give my best,” added Mary Kom.

The Manipuri said she is now much more smarter than her initial seven years of her career. She was named the best boxer of the championships.

“If you see my bouts in the initial seven years of my career and now, you will see a lot of difference. Earlier, I was like a bullfighter, always charging and would be totally tired and could not even raise my hand after the fight.

“Nowadays, it is not that tiring also unlike my younger days. It is all about experience and one learns from experience. These younger girls will also learn from experience,” said Mary Kom, referring to the likes of three other medal winners Logline Bergheim, Sonia Chahal and Simranjit Kaur who were sitting by her side.