OGQ extends assistance to Mary Kom's academy

Imphal: A long-time logistical supporter of five-time world champion and Olympic bronze-medallist boxer M C Mary Kom, sports foundation Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ) has now extended its assistance to her academy as well by covering the training expenses of seven boxers who are being groomed at the facility, on Thursday.

The academy is set to be inaugurated on November 8 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi but is already operational.

"It was a wonderful experience to have been associated with OGQ as my sponsors in my training and competitions. They make a good team and build a good relationship with all athletes at a personal level.

"They understand the requirements and mentality of sportspersons. I really respect the mission they are into. I am very happy that our association is extended towards my boxers, who are the future hopes," Mary Kom, who is also a Rajya Sabha member now, said.

"They have always been ready for any help to the academy of any kinds. They have employed a gym trainer in the academy and periodically send their sports physiotherapist to assist and monitor the training sessions of our academy. They are always there for any discussion, suggestion and planning," added her husband Onler Kom, who is the co-founder and managing director of the academy.

OGQ has also provided bicycles to the seven boxers to facilitate their local conveyance from school to the academy.

"They have been sponsoring seven athletes of the academy, covering their training expenses and as a part of this project, they have provided bicycle to each of them for their convenience. Besides this, they have also extended their support to other athletes of the academy in their training kits," said Jimmy Levion, who is the Secretary of the academy.