Muhammad Ali is My Hero, Inspired by Him for Taking Up Boxing, says Mary Kom to PM Modi

NEW DELHI:

During a virtual engagement, Mary Kom, who qualified for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, informed Prime Minister Narendra Modi that Muhammad Ali is her "hero" and that she was inspired by Ali to take up boxing as her career.  

"Sir, Muhammad Ali is my hero. I have been inspired by him for taking up boxing," the Indian boxing ace told Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

When Prime Minister Modi queried Mary Kom about her favourite punch, she responded, "Because I am a southpaw, the hook punch is my favourite." 

"It's a very effective move as I rarely miss my opponent with this punch. It is almost certain to hit them," said the veteran boxer explaining to the PM why the hook is her favorite move in boxing. 

The Prime Minister praised Mary Kom for serving as an inspiration to many athletes.

He also wanted to know how she managed to care for her family while simultaneously participating in sports, especially during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

"Everybody at home is praying for me. My kids miss me a lot, I try to make them understand that mama is going to represent the country, listen to what your papa says at home," expressed the legendary boxer and the embodiment of female empowerment, who hails from the Northeastern state of Manipur. 

During his meeting with the Indian delegation heading to the Olympics in Tokyo, Prime Minister Modi encouraged the competitors and praised their families for their sacrifices.

The Prime Minister engaged with the athletes in an effort to inspire them as they will be representing the country in the biggest and the most prestigious sporting event in the world. 

Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur, MoS for sports Nisith Pramanik, and Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju were also present in the virtual meet with the Indian delegation. 

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