Women's boxing faces bleak future

Jamshedpur:

Six time national champion MC Marykom might not look that intimidating outside the ring but put the two-time World Cup winner in a boxing square and she is quite the sight. During the sixth Women's National Championships, Marykom won the title in the 46kg category for the sixth year in a row, making it quite obvious that she is a league apart when compared to the country's other boxers. And although the Manipur native has got some recognition from the government, she is far from satisfied. "I am not satisfied with my job. Actually, our government had given us all the rank of Sub-Inspector, but what I want is the rank of Inspector, or something higher," said Marykom. Echoing Marykom's sentiments was Aruna Mishra of Jharkhand, who won in the 66 kg class for the first time. She has already said that she intends to leave her home state if she cannot manage to secure a job in either the government or corporate sector. "I have been assured by the state of Jharkhand, that I will be given all possible help. I still hope that will come, but if it doesn't, I guess I won't have much of a choice, but to leave the state," said Aruna Mishra, Nationals winner, 66 kg category. The audience at the event might have been scant, but there was no shortage of enthusiasm, which added a punch to the excitement of the boxers as well. But the event was also proof that if the government or corporates don't step in any time soon, women's boxing in India just might be forced to throw in the towel.