Less awareness in sports led to only 2 Oly medals: Mary Kom

Shillong, Sep 6 (PTI) London Games bronze medallist boxerM C Mary Kom today described her trials for Rio Olympics as"unfortunate" and said things probably would have been in herfavour had there been more competitions for women. "I only got two chances to qualify. Male boxers get fiveto six chances, but even then many of them did not qualify,"she said expressing hope that things would change for betterafter the upcoming boxing federation elections. The Rajya Sabha MP said she was disappointed with onlytwo medals for the country at the recently concluded RioOlympics and added "less awareness" in sports in the countrywas one of the reasons behind it. Five-time world champion, Mary Kom today received anhonorary doctorate degree conferred upon her by the NorthEastern Hill University (NEHU) for her contributions in thefield of sports. The pugilist from Manipur, who coaches underprivilegedchildren boxing, and an animal rights activist, was conferredwith the degree along with 85-year-old Rose Milian Bathew, thefirst woman chairperson of the UPSC, during the university’s23rd convocation. "The degree of Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) isawarded by NEHU to M C Mary Kom in recognition for heroutstanding contributions in the field of sports," thecitation, which NEHU VC S K Srivastava conferred on Kom, said. In her acceptance speech, the pugilist said she would"cherish" the degree forever and urged students to enjoy doingwhat they do and only then they would overcome thedifficulties while following their dreams. "I am here (at the University) today is because I want tosupport you in your dreams and endeavours. Why I have so manyrecognition and honour was because of my dream and my passion(in whatever I do)," she said. Stating that discipline was very important in herstruggle to become a world champion, Mary Kom said "Hard work,passion, patience, dedication and dedication are the mantras."PTI JOP DKBATKLNS