Mary Kom punched way above her weight before bowing out of the London Olympics with a bronze medal that’s worth its weight in gold for her inspirational ways. In her bout against a younger and taller Nicola Adams, she crystallised India’s sporting ambitions.
She lost, but managed to unite Manipur’s Nagas, Meiteis and Kukis, at least for an evening. She had to fight in the 51 kg flyweight division since that was the only one she could qualify in. The Olympics has drawn attention to women’s boxing in India, bringing out splendidly its sporting qualities minus the brutality of heavyweight boxing, almost like war without the shooting. If kids in India show interest in taking it up seriously, the Mainpur mother of twins will have contributed immensely.
Indian Army shooter Subedar Vijay Singh may emerge as the most decorated Indian athlete in the 2012 Games. His threat to quit the Army unless promoted to officer rank may sound like emotional blackmail, but it’s also true that the Army has as much duty as anyone to encourage sport, particularly as sharpshooting is still one of the most valuable abilities in combat.
India’s performance has put the spotlight on sports that aren’t really major league. There is some disappointment due to raised expectations in 2012 after Abhinav Bindra shot his way to a breakthrough gold for all Indian athletes in Beijing. But Vijay Singh, Gagan Narang, Mary Kom and poster girl Saina Nehwal have done wonders in being beacons of inspiration for the entire nation.