Maiden punch by Mary Kom in RS knocks out all
02 August, New Delhi
It was not her ring at all, nor did she face a formidable rival boxer but when Mary Kom rose to ask her maiden question in the Rajya Sabha today, she almost knocked everyone out.
As a nominated member in the Upper House, the Olympic bronze medalist has been quietly participating in the proceedings, listening to the issues which otherwise may sound alien to her.
Today being the day for starred questions to be taken up about sports, Ms Kom raised her hand in hesitation.
An alert Deputy Chairman P J Kurien quickly noticed her and gleefully allowed her to raise the supplementary.In between the original question being answered and her turn to speak, Ms Kom was literally gasping, shivering her hands in nervousness which was not only gripping her but she never tried to hide it either.
Trinamool Congress MP Derek O’Brien as well as BJD member Anubhav Mohanti, an Odiya film star, showed his thumb to buck her up. And finally she stood up.
“I am privileged to speak before you all,” the Asian Games gold medalist started speaking in broken voice, but quickly regained her confidence. ”I want to convey by best wishes to the Rio Olympics bound Indian contingent,” she said as the entire House supported her with the thumping of desks, including Leader of House Arun Jaitley and Sports Minister Vijay Goel, who were curiously looking at her. She did not limit herself to the best wishes, but jumped to the real issues which the Indian sportsperson are faced with when they go to participate in the international events like Olympics.
“We are facing a lot of difficulties like (lack of) training, facilities and diet. It does not come on time,” she said and took her seat amid loud thumping of desks.
Goel assured her that the government was already grappling with the aspects she brought forward. “A customised diet plan was prepared for the 119-member strong Indian contingent with a proper training this time arranged well in advance,” the Sports Minister said.
Ms Kom was nominated to the House of Elders in March this year by the ruling BJP along with six others in the category of eminent persons.
The Rajya Sabha has a total of 12 seats set aside for people with expertise in various fields, such as arts, literature, culture, and science, among others.