In the summer of 2014, Mary Kom became a household name in India. She was the first female boxer to bring home the Gold Medal in the Asian Games that was held in Incheon, South Korea. There was barely anyone who didn’t know her after her spectacular performance and subsequent victory at the event. Although this was not the first gold she won for her country, this definitely earned her wider recognition in the field of boxing. As much as achievements are littered throughout her career, so are her struggles.
Born on 24th November 1982, Mary is the eldest daughter of humble farmers in Kangathei Village, Moirang, a rural village in Manipur. She married the footballer Karung Onkholer in 2005 and together they have 3 sons.
In the year 2011, she represented India in the Asian Cup Women’s Boxing Tournament held in China. The entire nation’s hope was being carried on the shoulders of a worried mother. Her then 4-year-old son, one of the twins, was going through major heart surgery in Chandigarh. It wasn’t an easy decision, but with the support of her family, and especially from her husband, she decided to chase after the gold medal for her country. Her prayers were answered, both as a mother and as an athlete. And when she was pregnant for the second time, she had to take a break from her career due to the risk involved in competing while pregnant. But after the successful delivery of her child, she made a comeback and proved that motherhood is not a roadblock to success.
Despite her hectic schedule as a professional boxer and an entrepreneur, Mary always makes sure that she has enough time to spend with her children. She has stated time and again that her children are her greatest source of motivation and for them, she tries to keep her personal and professional life well-balanced.
Her journey towards the ring was never easy.
As mentioned in the mary kom biography, the enthusiasm for sports had already affected her early on in her life, and she had to juggle between sports, chores, and schooling. It was the stunning victory of a fellow Manipuri boxer, Dingko Singh, in 1998 at Bangkok Asian Games that spurred her to try her hands at boxing. In a society where daughters are discouraged from pursuing any kind of physically taxing hobby for the fear of injury ruining their prospect of marriage, her father did not want her to box. As a result, she kept her passion for boxing and her training under coach K. Kosana Meitei, a secret routine rendezvous from her father. It was only after she won the state championship in 2000, her father started to support her love for boxing. She took a hiatus after her marriage but those gloves kept calling her.
She has won numerous medals and accolades throughout her career spanning two and half decades. She has been on a roll since her international debut in the Women’s World Amateur Boxing Championship of 2001 in the USA. Even as a newcomer, she had put on a spectacular performance and snagged the silver medal. This was just a start, and since then she has won six golds at the World Amateur Boxing Championship, distinguishing herself as the only female boxer to accomplish this feat. She also won a silver medal at the 2010 Asian Women’s Boxing Championship and a bronze at the 2012 Summer Olympics. When in the ring, she is fast, nimble, and calculative. She is also known for her discipline as an athlete, sportsmanship, and rigorous training to maintain her form and fitness.
With success comes social responsibility, and she has realized it well. She has been using her platform for various social causes. She is frequently seen advocating for women’s empowerment and gender equality. She is also working towards improving the condition of women in her home state of Manipur.
Mary is considered a role model by countless people, especially women and children, around the globe. While her journey from a small village in Manipur to becoming a world champion boxer has inspired many young girls, her performance in her field has broken gender stereotypes and proved that given the opportunity, even women can excel in male-dominated fields. She has become a symbol of dedication and perseverance, a living proof that with grit and determination, one can overcome adversities and achieve any dream. Mary kom biography and her life story has inspired many to pursue their own dreams fearlessly.
In addition to her achievements in boxing, Mary Kom has also been recognized for her contributions to society.
Her impact as a role model is reflected in the numerous honours and accolades she has received throughout her career. She has been awarded the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, which are among the highest civilian honours in India. She has also been appointed as the brand ambassador for various initiatives, including the “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” campaign, which aims to promote education for girls in India. In 2016, she was nominated as a member of the Parliament in the Rajya Sabha by the President and a national observer of boxing in 2017 by the Government. Mary is also an animal rights activist and PETA supporter. In 2021, she was appointed as the chairperson of the International Boxing Association’s (AIBA) Champions and Veterans Committee.
Mary Kom’s impact and influence are not limited to India but have also reached a global audience. After Mary kom biography in 2014, a biopic based on her life, titled “Mary Kom,” was released, which was well-received by audiences and critics alike. The movie showcased her struggles and triumphs, highlighting her determination and willpower, and has inspired many.
In Mary Kom’s biography her journey as a boxer, a mother, and a role model has been nothing short of an inspiration to millions of people around the world, and she is revered as the “Magnificent Mary” by her fans. All in all, her story is a stark reminder that success is not just about winning medals but it’s also about, facing obstacles with courage and persevering through them, dedicating the self to the goal and inspiring others to do the same. Her legacy will continue to encourage generations of young girls to follow in her footsteps and pursue their dreams with passion and determination.
