Date:02/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/02/stories/2008120260801800.htm

Sport - Boxing

‘Why can’t I get the Khel Ratna’

Sports Reporter

‘I have applied three times for it’
A hurt Marykom rues the treatment meted out to her

NEW DELHI: After winning her fourth World Championship title in a row, M.C. Marykom should find herself in the elite club of top sportspersons in India.

But the woman boxer wonders why she is being denied the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award?

“If (M.S.) Dhoni can get it by winning just one World Cup, why not me? I have applied three times for it,” Marykom told The Hindu on Monday after her arrival here from Ningbo City in China, where she won her fourth consecutive world title.

A ‘hurt’ Marykom rued the treatment meted out to her. “Last year, when my name was recommended by the federation, I had been shortlisted along with Dhoni but (Arjuna awards selection committee chairman) Milkha Singh struck off my name saying that he did not know which sport I competed in. That hurt me terribly,” she alleged. Despite staying two years away from the boxing ring because of motherhood (she had twins), the 46kg boxer staged a comeback to win the prestigious medal. Marykom thinks it’s her strong will power and support of the family members which did the trick for her.

“Post-delivery there was a lot of pain in my body. But it’s my will power which motivated me to make a quick comeback,” she said.

“It was the whole-hearted support of my husband and family which helped me a lot. Because of their support I could train with a free mind. I dedicate my medal to them and my two sons,” an emotional Marykom said.