Olympic bronze medallist M C Mary Kom is back in training at Bengaluru after an eight-month break from boxing since winning the gold medal in last year's Asian Games.
She and Sarita Devi, her Manipur state-mate who won silver and bronze medals respectively at last year's Commonwealth and Asian Games, have commenced training along with Sumit Sangwan, according to a statement from Olympic Gold Quest, which supports all three boxers.
Sarita underwent wrist surgery last November in Mumbai, while the 22-year-old Sangwan, who fights in the 81kg weight category, had undergone thumb surgery two months back.
"All three boxers are currently undergoing a gruelling fitness training camp in Bengaluru at the VESOMA sports medicine centre. Their training is being looked after by strength and conditioning expert Deckline Leitao and the OGQ Sports Science team headed by Dr Nikhil Latey," the statement added.
Sangwan is preparing for the Asian Boxing Championships in August, which will be followed by the World Championships, in October, which is an Olympic qualifier.
Mary Kom, who won bronze at the London Games, and Sarita are preparing for the Women's World Championship in February, 2016, which is a qualifier for next year's Rio Olympic Games.
"It is great to see Sarita and Sumit in absolutely top physical condition. They are very close to returning to full sparring once they get a medical go ahead. It is very encouraging to see the hunger and fire in both of them to return to action," said OGQ CEO Viren Rasquinha.
"As for Mary, she is working on her fitness, strength and endurance right now. Her attitude to training is top class. She has just one goal in mind... Gold at Rio 2016," he added.
Image: M C Mary Kom.
Photograph: Harish Kotian/Rediff.com
