Mary Kom Refutes Resignation Reports, Reaffirms Commitment to IOA Athletes’ Commission
New Delhi: Boxing icon and chairperson of the Indian Olympic Association’s (IOA) Athletes’ Commission, M C Mary Kom, has denied recent reports suggesting that she has resigned from her position. The six-time world champion, who is one of India’s most celebrated athletes, clarified that her comments had been misinterpreted and that she remains committed to serving her full tenure, which extends until 2026.
The 42-year-old Manipuri boxing legend, who won a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics, was recently in Haldwani for the National Games closing ceremony. During the event, she reportedly expressed disappointment over being accommodated in what she described as an “inferior hotel,” despite the availability of better lodging.
However, she insists that her criticism was misunderstood as a resignation. Speaking to PTI, Mary Kom firmly stated, “I have not resigned. I will complete my tenure. My words were misconstrued.”
Expanding on the issue, Mary Kom explained that her remarks were not intended as a resignation but rather as an expression of concern regarding the treatment of athletes, particularly senior figures like herself.
“I was merely expressing my disappointment to my fellow Athletes’ Commission members. I had said that if such treatment happens again, I might consider resigning. But I never actually said that I am resigning. IOA is like my family, and as a senior member, I have every right to raise concerns about issues that affect us,” she asserted.
Mary Kom, who was elected to the IOA Athletes’ Commission in 2022, was chosen as the chairperson, while veteran table tennis player A Sharath Kamal was appointed as the vice-chairperson. The commission comprises several prominent Indian athletes, including:
- PV Sindhu (Two-time Olympic medal-winning shuttler)
- Om Prakash Karhana (Former shot putter)
- Shiva Keshavan (Winter Olympian)
- Gagan Narang (London Olympics bronze-winning shooter)
- Bajrang Lal (Rower)
- Bhavani Devi (Fencer)
- Rani Rampal (Former Indian women’s hockey captain)
- Mirabai Chanu (Tokyo Olympics silver-winning weightlifter)
Mary Kom Questions the Misinterpretation of Her Statements
Expressing frustration over the recurring misinterpretation of her words, Mary Kom questioned why her statements are often blown out of proportion.
“I don’t understand why every time I voice my opinion on something, it gets misunderstood in such a manner. Many of my fellow athletes express their concerns on various issues, but their words are never twisted like this,” she remarked.
She reiterated that her primary concern was the unfair accommodation arrangement during the National Games closing ceremony.
“I was placed in a subpar hotel, even though there was a better option available. If other dignitaries and athletes could be accommodated in better facilities, why was I put in an inferior hotel? That was the only question I raised,” she clarified.
She also expressed disappointment that her genuine grievance had led to speculation about her resignation.
“Next thing I know, people are saying I have resigned. Where is the resignation? Has anyone seen a resignation letter from me?” she asked rhetorically.
When asked if she had discussed the matter with IOA President P T Usha, Mary Kom revealed that she had not yet spoken to her due to a personal inconvenience.
“I have not been able to connect with her because I misplaced my phone. But I will reach out to her soon. I have a good rapport with her, and I am sure we will have a meaningful conversation regarding this matter,” she said.
Mary Kom, one of the most decorated Indian athletes in history, has a wealth of experience not just in the sport of boxing but also in sports administration. She has previously been a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes’ Forum, contributing to global sports governance.
Given her extensive background in competitive sports and administration, her role as the IOA Athletes’ Commission chairperson is considered crucial in representing the concerns and welfare of Indian athletes.
With her latest clarification, Mary Kom has put an end to the rumors of her resignation and reaffirmed her commitment to serving Indian sports and athletes until the completion of her tenure in 2026.