Mary Kom is already a recipient of the country's highest sporting honour -- The Khel Ratna --, the Arjuna award besides being the International Boxing Association (AIBA's) Ambassador for Women's Boxing and on Friday she was nominated for the Padma Bhushan award by the Indian Government.
"Mary Kom is a living legend in the sport of women's boxing, the 5 times World Champion has achieved almost everything that the sport has to offer. Her nomination for the Padma Bhushan comes as a tremendous boost for women's boxing in India," said Rajesh Bhandari, the Secretary General of the Indian Amateur Boxing Federation (IABF).
He further added, "Mary Kom's contribution to the sport is unparalleled. The boxing fraternity of India is extremely proud of Mary, for the passion and dedication she has exhibited and for being a great ambassador of the sport. Words fall short in praise for this diminutive giant."
The 29-year-old, mother of two, had bagged a bronze medal in the fly weight division when boxing made its Olympic debut at London last year. She is also the only women boxer to have to have won a medal in each of the first six AIBA Women's World Boxing championships.
IABF also congratulated 1998 Bangkok Asian Game gold medallist Dingko Singh, for being chosen as the recipient of Padam Shri award by the Indian Government and London Olympics quarter-finalist Laishram Devendro Singh for being selected for the Vishisht Seva Medal by Indian Armed Forces.
"Dinko is nothing short of pioneer for boxing in Manipur. His iconic performances strengthened the foundations for boxing in the state. He continues to make headway and serve the sport, nurturing and building new talent as an established and revered coach for the services team," Bhandari said.
Devendro, who also hails from Manipur, made a sensational debut at the London Olympics but he missed a medal by a whisker after losing in the quarter-finals.