Marykom may have the world at her feet following her stunning performance at the World Boxing Championships but all that will count for little, in her estimation, if she can’t get a job.The gold medallist in the 46-kg category is currently working on her next goal, an Olympic medal at the Beijing Games, but is also trying to figure out how to feed her family and herself.At a felicitation function here today, Marykom’s statement was simple, direct and stark: ‘‘I’m happy I was able to defend my title, I’m thankful to all concerned for the support. I am yet to realise my dream of winning an Olympic medal. I will strive hard to work towards that but for the moment my worry is, What am I supposed to do to get a job?’’The appeal, as expected, met with deafening silence. Till her fellow boxers echoed her plight. It was the lure of a job, they said, that kept them going. ‘‘We are happy people recognise our efforts. But we will be happier if these sugar-coated words translate into jobs,’’ said Larita Devi.The Indian Amateur Boxing Federation says it is pursuing the case of jobs for women boxers with Steel Plants Promotion Board and some of the paramilitary forces.The YMCA, where today’s function was held, said it would create some job opportunities for the boxers by opening an academy in Manipur. ‘‘We will definitely try and look at the possibilities,’’ said Joy Benjamin, secretary general of New Delhi YMCA, adding, ‘‘the proposal has to be placed before the board.’’
