“Yes, yes. Why not? I still have the age. I can play till 40,” these were boxing champion Mary Kom’s words when she asked about making a comeback on her return to India on Saturday, according to news agency ANI. Mary Kom’s final attempt to win an Olympic medal at Tokyo ended when she lost to Colombian Ingrit Valencia in a 2:3 split decision during the women’s flyweight category.

The boxer, who won a bronze medal at London Games in 2012, apologised to India for not being able to clinch a medal this year.

She thanked her fans and everyone who prayed for her. The 38-year-old boxing champion claimed that she was mentally harassed before her bout and that she has won. 

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Mary said that this was the first time she had faced such poor judgement and judges favoured her opponent, despite barely landing punches on each other. “After the 1st round, the score was 1-4 in favour of the other opponent and I could not believe it, as we did get into a proper fight. I could not understand it. Yet, in the next two rounds, I gave my best and I thought I had it won. But, I still don’t understand how I could not win. I felt so bad when I realised it, and this is the first time,” she said.

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This marked her final appearance at the Olympics as participants over 40 are not eligible to compete in the games.