I want to change Indian mentality, says Marykom

Marriage and having kids should not stop one from winning medals. That's the message boxer M C Marykom, India's best bet for a gold medal in the 2012 Olympics, sent out to sporting mothers yesterday.

Marykom defied all odds when, after giving birth to twins, she came back punching and won the world championship for the fourth time.



Ever since she became a state champion in 2000, she never looked back. Marykom won back-to-back National championships from 2000 to 2005. Since then, it was gold all the way. "With my example, I want to change the mentality in Indian society where women are hesitant to undertake any sporting activity. They should pursue sport and achieve what they want to. My aim is to win a medal at the Olympics," she said at a function in Mumbai where the Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ) organisation announced the entry of Leander Paes as one of their directors.

Marykom was grateful for the support from the OGQ. There are plans to rope in coach Peter Taylor (who coaches Russian boxer) to help the Indian boxer enhance her skills.

Paes was only to happy to lend a helping hand to improve India's sporting stocks. "We at OGQ want present and past athletes to come out and give to the next generation what we didn't have when we grew up. Not only in terms of infrastructure and equipment but also in terms of corporate dollar to travel all around the world and hone skills," said Paes, who informed that OGQ raised Rs 80 lakh through a recent summit where they were given an opportunity to talk about their objectives to a gathering. While Paes hoped he could make a difference by being part of the OGQ, badminton legend Prakash Padukone said, "Leander will bring a lot of value and credibility to our organisation."

Billiards champion Geet Sethi, TT stalwart Niraj Bajaj and former hockey captain Viren Rasquinha are other sporting greats involved with OGQ.