Mary Kom, widely known as “Magnificent Mary,” is an Indian boxer and one of the most celebrated athletes in the world. Born as Chungneijang Mary Kom Hmangte on March 1, 1982, in Kangathei, Manipur, India, she has made significant contributions to Indian sports, particularly in women’s boxing. Here’s a comprehensive look at her journey and achievements.
Early Life and Background
Mary Kom was born into a humble family in rural Manipur. Her parents, Mangte Tonpa Kom and Mangte Akham Kom, were tenant farmers. Growing up, Mary helped her parents with farm work while pursuing her education. Despite financial struggles, she was determined to succeed. She initially trained in athletics but was inspired to take up boxing after seeing fellow Manipuri boxer Dingko Singh win a gold medal at the 1998 Asian Games.
Start of Boxing Career
Mary Kom started her boxing journey in 2000 when she joined the Sports Authority of India (SAI) in Imphal, Manipur, under coach M. Narjit Singh. Despite initial resistance from her family and the social stigma around women in boxing, Mary Kom’s relentless dedication helped her rise through the ranks.
Key Achievements
- World Amateur Boxing Championships: Mary Kom is a six-time world champion, having won her first world title in 2002. Her world titles include victories in various weight categories, showcasing her adaptability and skill.
- Asian Games: She made history by winning the gold medal in the 2014 Incheon Asian Games, becoming the first Indian woman boxer to achieve this feat.
- Olympics: Mary Kom earned a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics, becoming the only Indian woman boxer to secure an Olympic medal.
- Commonwealth Games: She clinched the gold medal in the 2018 Commonwealth Games, further cementing her position as a top international boxer.
- Padma Awards: She has been awarded the Padma Bhushan (2013) and the Padma Shri (2006) by the Government of India in recognition of her contributions to Indian sports.
- Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award: This is India’s highest sporting honor, which she received in 2009.
Style and Training
Mary Kom is known for her speed, agility, and stamina in the ring. As a natural southpaw, she has an advantage in her boxing stance and punches. Her style is a mix of aggression and technical finesse, adapted over years of rigorous training.
Personal Life
Mary Kom married K. Onkholer (Onler) Kom in 2005. The couple has three sons and has been supportive of each other’s aspirations. Despite her responsibilities as a mother, Mary has managed to balance her personal life and a demanding sports career. Her story has inspired millions in India, especially young women aspiring to enter sports.
Biopic and Media Presence
Mary Kom’s life story inspired a Bollywood biopic titled Mary Kom, starring Priyanka Chopra, which was released in 2014. The film brought her inspiring story to a global audience and highlighted the challenges she overcame to achieve success.
Legacy and Impact
Mary Kom’s journey has not only paved the way for female boxers in India but has also uplifted Indian boxing on the global stage. She has become a symbol of empowerment and resilience, and her contributions have helped change attitudes towards women in sports, particularly in India.
Recent Activities
Mary Kom continues to train and inspire young athletes. She remains an influential figure in Indian sports and has expressed interest in working with grassroots boxing initiatives. Even in her late 30s, she has participated in competitions, inspiring the next generation of athletes.
Fun Fact
Her name, “Chungneijang,” means “prosperity” in her native language, which perfectly captures her journey and the impact she has had on Indian sports.
Mary Kom’s story is one of grit, resilience, and breaking barriers. As she continues to inspire, she has left an indelible mark on Indian sports and serves as a role model for future athletes worldwide.
