Six-time world champion MC Mary Kom had to suffer a painful exit from the Commonwealth Games selection trials as the seasoned boxer hurt her knee and retired here on Friday.
Competing in the first round of 48kg against Nitu Ghanghas, the Olympic bronze medallist could not continue, forcing the referee to stop the contest. Seen clutching her left leg in agony, Mary was taken to a hospital.
The 39-year-old was focussing for a last hurrah at Birmingham 2022. She did not compete after the Tokyo Olympics and had pulled out of the trials for World Championships and Asian Games.
“She was in too much pain. She tried to continue the fight but just couldn’t. She has gone for scans,” her coach Chhote Lal Yadav said. “She was doing very well in training and completely fit. There were no signs of any injury. It is very disappointing. She wanted to return with a gold medal from CWG.”
The London Olympics bronze medallist had to endure a dramatic and teary exit from the Tokyo Olympics. She had lost to Ingrit Valencia, 2016 Olympics bronze medallist, in a closely fought second round but in the heat of the moment and in the backdrop of blaring loud music, Mary thought she had won the bout until an hour later when she was told about the loss.
Mary will not be able to compete at the Paris Olympics as she will be over 40 and wanted to finish her career on a high with a medal at one of the multi-disciplinary Games this year.
Though the Asian Games are now postponed and likely to happen next year, it remains to be seen whether Mary has the fire to make another comeback.