M.C. Mary Kom

Imphal, May 23: M.C. Mary Kom, the lone women boxer in the Indian Olympic squad for the London Games, is eyeing a medal-winning performance to show what the tiny state of Manipur can offer to the sporting scene.

The champion boxer, who returned to Imphal after the IABA Championship, is on cloud nine after she qualified for the 2012 London Olympics and is all praise for the contribution of her coaches for helping her become what she is today.

Mary Kom exuded confidence about continuing to work hard at the top level so she does not have to return empty-handed from the Olympics.

“It is my long cherished dream to get on to the Olympic platform and perform well,” she added.

Sports Authority of India (SAI) boxing coach and Dronacharya awardee L. Ibomcha Singh said it is a proud moment for the SAI North Eastern Regional Centre, as four of its trainees — Mary Kom, Devendra Singh, Sonia Devi and Bombayla Devi — have qualified for the highest stage of Olympics.

Singh added the very participation of the quartet itself was a great honour and it will be immense joy for the sports body if the four athletes bagged medals.

Apart from Mary Kom, three others players from the state also made the cut for the summer Olympic Games, which includes boxer L. Devendra Singh, archer L. Bombayla Devi and weightlifter Ng. Sonia Devi.

Fitness contest: The Apunba Fitness Centre will be organising 2nd Transformation Challenge 2012 on October 27 at Bheigyachandra open air theatre here. Entry forms for the competition will be issued from May 28 till July 18 and the screening will be held on July 22.

Hockey tournament: Manipur Hockey will be organising the 3rd Men’s & Women’s State Level Open Hockey Tournament 2012, to be held at Khuman Lampak hockey stadium from June 17.