Mary Kom Attends Mahakumbh, Praises CM Yogi’s Efforts, Says – ‘Now It’s Youths’ Responsibility to Win Medals’

• On the stage of ‘Khel Mahakumbh,’ world-renowned boxer Mary Kom shared her mantra for success.
• Passion and patience are the biggest keys to my success, says Mary Kom.
• Aims to make boxing as popular as cricket.
• UP Sports Minister to conclude the grand ‘Khel Mahakumbh’ on February 13.

Mahakumbh Nagar: On the seventh day of the ‘Khel Mahakumbh’ organized by Krida Bharati and TYC, international boxing champion and former Rajya Sabha MP Mary Kom joined the event. Speaking at the Sports Dialogue Sangam session, she praised CM Yogi Adityanath for his strong support towards athletes in Uttar Pradesh, emphasizing that it is now the responsibility of young athletes to bring home medals.

All Sports Should Get Recognition Like Cricket

Sharing her journey, Mary Kom said, “During my childhood, I played multiple sports, unaware of boxing. I grew up in hardship, surviving mostly on rice, but my passion for sports never faded. When I started boxing, I was determined to reach the top. My message to young athletes is simple—focus, discipline, mental strength, and passion will lead you to victory.”

She further added, “Sports like boxing should be as popular as cricket. I competed against athletes from over 30 countries and became a world champion, yet women’s boxing still struggles for recognition. That remains a regret.”

Talking about her comeback after marriage and motherhood, she said, “The hunger for medals and the will to improve brought me back to boxing even stronger.”

Archery Stars Shine, Four Athletes Win Gold

The 70-meter archery competition at Khel Mahakumbh saw outstanding performances, with young archers securing gold medals.

• Senior Boys: Eshu Singh (Mathura)
• Senior Girls: Rakhi (Shamli)
• Junior Boys: Hari Shukla (Kanpur)
• Junior Girls: Khushi Srivastava (Ghazipur)

Judges Vishal and Rajababu, along with international coach Vishwas, officiated the event.

Grand Closing Ceremony on February 13

The UP Sports Minister will conclude the event on Thursday. Special guests included Odisha BJP MP Sukanta Kumar Panigrahi and Patanjali representative Bajrang Dev Ji. Key figures from Krida Bharati, including Vice President Angad Singh, Regional Coordinator Rajat Dixit, Kashi Province President Pankaj Srivastava, and Vice President Dinesh Jaiswal, were also present along with numerous athletes.