Mary Kom Sure of a Podium Finish in Asian Games

Lucknow, Oct 24 : Boxer M.C. Mary Kom wants to win gold at the forthcoming Asian Games in China before she eyes the Olympic gold in 2012. "These two are on my mind and I am putting all my efforts towards achieving them," Mary Kom told HT here on Saturday. "It's not going to be easy for me at the Asian Games as

boxers from China, Thailand and Malaysia are pretty good. But I am sure of a podium finish," she said.

Mary Kom, who competes in the 51 kg category, said she was paying a lot of attention to her fitness.

"I have little time to prepare for the Games. I am concentrating on technique, planning and speed," said Mary.

The five-time world champion boxer admitted that defending the world title this year wasn't easy at all. "Coming back from motherhood to win the title was tough. People discouraged me, including my father, by saying that I should focus on raising my family. People laughed at me when I said I want to win another title. I took it as a challenge."

"The geoghraphical environment of Manipur inspires people of the area to opt for power sports. Sports is in our blood," she said.