Mary Kom Clarifies She Has Not Resigned from Indian Olympic Association Panel and Will Complete Tenure

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MC Mary Kom, the chairperson of the Indian Olympic Association's Athletes Commission, has refuted claims of her resignation.

The boxing icon clarified that her comments were misinterpreted and she intends to fulfil her term. She emphasised, "I have not resigned, I will complete my tenure which ends in 2026."

Mary Kom, a 2012 Olympic bronze medallist, expressed dissatisfaction with her accommodation during the National Games closing ceremony in Haldwani. Her remarks in a private WhatsApp group were mistakenly reported as a resignation.

She explained, "I was merely telling my fellow athletes commission members that if this kind of treatment happens again, I will consider resigning. I never said that I am resigning."

Mary Kom's Commitment to the IOA

Mary Kom was elected to the Athletes Commission in 2022 alongside Vice-Chairperson A Sharath Kamal. She considers the IOA her family and believes she has the right to voice concerns without it being misconstrued as a resignation. She stated, "IOA is my family and if I am unhappy over something, I have every right to express it. This does not mean that I am resigning."

The leaked conversation from the WhatsApp group upset Mary Kom, but she wishes to move past it. "Whoever has leaked the private conversation in the WhatsApp group of Athletes Commission has not done the right thing," she remarked. Despite being hurt by the leak, she wants to focus on serving Indian sports.

Call for Investigation

Mary Kom has urged both the IOA and the sports ministry to identify who leaked the conversation. She expressed no ill will towards those responsible but desires clarity on the matter. "I have no ill feelings towards anybody who has leaked the conversation but I want the IOA and the sports ministry to find out who has leaked it," she added.

The athletes' commission includes notable figures like PV Sindhu, Om Prakash Karhana, Shiva Keshavan, Gagan Narang, Bajrang Lal, Bhavani Devi, Rani Rampal, and Mirabai Chanu. Mary Kom questioned why her statements are often misunderstood while others freely express their opinions without issue.

Mary Kom's Experience and Contributions

Mary Kom is one of India's most celebrated athletes with extensive experience in sports administration. She has served on various government panels and was a Rajya Sabha member from 2016 to 2022. Her involvement with the International Olympic Committee's athletes forum further highlights her administrative capabilities.