I Would Have Retired If I Had Won Gold in London Olympics, Says Boxer Mary Kom

Indian woman boxer MC Mary Kom has set her sights on an Olympic gold. After a bronze medal finish in the London Olympics in 2012, she went on to win the gold at the Asian Games this year. However, she has set her sights higher.

Talking to NDTV, Mary Kom revealed she would have considered retirement if she had won a gold in the London Games two years ago and hopes to fulfill that dream in Rio next year.

"Olympic gold medal is my dream. I won bronze in London in 2012 so this time my aim is higher. If I had won a gold back then, I would have retired."

For the moment, however, Mary Kom is basking in her recent success. "This medal means happiness. After Olympics this is the first competition I fought in and it is great for me."

Away from the ring, Mary is a doting mother of three. She spoke at lengths about how tough it had been for her to bring about a balance between her personal and professional life..

"I had a baby after Olympics and it was tough for me to balance things and make a comeback in the ring. Mostly people were negative about my comeback. But because of my passion I managed to come back," she said.

"People thought Mary Kom cannot fight again and get a medal for the country. That was a great challenge for me. I was lucky because these challenges gave me strength to continue," she added.

Mary also spoke in support of fellow boxer L Sarita Devi, who was robbed of a shot at the gold medal due to controversial refereeing in Incheon.

"All of us were sad for her. She fought well, dominated but was denied a win. It was sad and I support her," she said.

Mary, however, did go on to hint that she may not have protested like Sarita and would not have refused a medal.

The Indian contingent finished their Asian Games campaign in style - with 57 medals to their name, with 11 gold, 9 silver and 37 bronze medals.