Boxing legend MC Mary Kom, who chairs the Indian Olympic Association's athletes commission, dispelled reports on Tuesday about her resignation, clarifying that she would continue her term.
The 42-year-old Olympic bronze medallist from Manipur had expressed dissatisfaction over accommodation arrangements at the National Games closing ceremony in Haldwani, where she was placed in an "inferior hotel".
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Speaking to PTI, Mary Kom clarified that her statements were misinterpreted.
"I have not resigned, I will complete my tenure (which ends in 2026)," she stated firmly.
"I was merely telling my fellow (athletes commission) members that if this kind of treatment happens again, I will consider resigning. I never said that I am resigning. IOA is my family and if I am unhappy over something, I have every right to express it. This does not mean that I am resigning," she added.
Mary Kom joined the panel in 2022 alongside table tennis champion A Sharath Kamal as vice-chairperson.
The commission includes notable athletes: PV Sindhu, Om Prakash Karhana, Shiva Keshavan, Gagan Narang, Bajrang Lal, Bhavani Devi, Rani Rampal and Mirabai Chanu.
"I don't understand why my concerns are consistently misinterpreted. Other athletes freely express their opinions without such misunderstandings," Mary Kom noted.
"Despite better accommodation being available, I received substandard lodging at the National Games closing ceremony. I simply questioned why others received preferential treatment," she explained.
"People are claiming I resigned, but where is the evidence? Has anyone seen such a resignation?" she questioned.
Regarding communication with IOA president PT Usha, Mary Kom said, "I haven't been able to connect with her because my phone was misplaced. But I will speak to her, I have good communication with her."
Mary Kom, amongst India's most accomplished athletes, brings significant experience in sports administration, having previously served on the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) athletes forum.
