Mary Kom picked up as chairperson of AIBA Champions And Veterans Committee

New Delhi, Mar 4: Six-time world champion M C Mary Kom is all set don the role of the chairperson of the International Boxing Association (AIBA) champions and veterans committee, a panel created last year by the world body as part of its reforms. The 37-year-old 2012 Olympic bronze-medallist was named for the position after voting by the AIBA’s board of directors.

 

“With great pleasure, I inform you that you have been selected to serve as the chairperson of the AIBA Champions and Veteran Committee following the mail vote by the board of directors of AIBA,” AIBA President Umar Kremlev said in a letter to the decorated boxer, who has been a brand ambassador of the body on several occasions.

 

 

AIBA President Umar Kremlev stated that he is confident that Mary Kom will make significant contribution towards the success of this committee with her vast knowledge and experience. “I am confident with your vast knowledge and experience you will make a valuable contribution to the success of this important committee,” he added.

 

 

The committee, formed in December last year, “consists of most respected worldwide boxing veterans and champions who have achieved significant results and who are ready to share their experience.”

 

Mary Kom is currently in Spain to compete in the Boxam International Tournament in Castellon and she expressed her gratitude for the honour in a tweet. “Thank you so much @Kremlev_U @AIBA_Boxing President and all boxing family for giving me the new assignment. I will give my best and put my voice for the upliftments of @AIBA_Boxing @BFI_official @Media_SAI,” she said.

 

 

Mary Kom has qualified for her second and final Olympics — the Tokyo Games in July-August this year. She has scripted several history and made India proud representing for India in field of Boxing at international level. She is the only female boxer who have become the “World Boxing Champion” for a record of six times. She is also tagged as the only boxer who have won eight World Championship medals.

 

Further, Mary is the only female boxer who have won a medal in each of first seven World Championships. She is remembered as the only Indian female boxer who qualified for 2012 summer Olympics, in which she won a bronze medal in flyweight 51 kg category.

 

The Indian boxer has been honoured with the Padma Vibhushan in the year 2020 which is the second-highest civilian award in India. In 2006, she was awarded with the Padma Shri which is fourth-highest civilian award in India. She was also honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2013 which is the third-highest civilian award.