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'Remember Mary for what she gave to the sport'
After decades of training boxers all over the world, coach Charles Atkinson can finally, at the age of 71, stake claim on an Olympics medal.
After decades of training boxers all over the world, coach Charles Atkinson can finally, at the age of 71, stake claim on an Olympics medal.
Atkinson, who had spent six months in Pune working with Mary Kom for the last one year, had specially travelled from Liverpool to watch his ward fight the semi-final.
"She always gives 100% in the ring. Though after the bout I was little sad but even today she gave her best," said Atkinson, who had to watch the match from the stands.
Atkinson said: "I have always told everyone that what she has given to women's boxing is enormous. She should be recognised for what she has achieved and given to the sport, rather than what she couldn't do."
"Today she woke up on the wrong side of the bed but that doesn't mean she is no more a good boxer," he added. "For more than a decade, Mary has faced lots of challenges and triumphed."
