Mary Kom Biography: The Inspiring Story of India’s Boxing Legend
Mary Kom, lovingly referred to as “Magnificent Mary,” is one of the most successful athletes from India and around the world with regard to boxing. Through her unbelievable achievements, she has brought India onto the global map in the world of boxing and inspired many to chase their dreams with or without problems.
It traces the inspiring life of Mary Kom from her simple beginning to becoming a six-time World Champion and an Olympic medalist.
Mary Kom: Personal Information
Here are the key details about Mary Kom’s life, family, and background:
Basic Information
- Full Name: Mangte Chungneijang Mary Kom
- Date of Birth: March 1, 1982
- Age: 42 years (as of 2024)
- Place of Birth: Kangathei, Manipur, India
- Nationality: Indian
- Religion: Christianity
- Zodiac Sign: Pisces
Family Background
- Father: Mangte Tonpa Kom
- Mother: Mangte Akham Kom
- Spouse: K. Onler Kom
- Children: Three sons, including twins.
Education
- Schooling:
- Loktak Christian Model High School, Moirang.
- St. Xavier’s Catholic School, Manipur.
- College:
- Churachandpur College, Manipur.
- She pursued her education while balancing her boxing career.
Hobbies and Interests
- Hobbies: Listening to music, gardening, and spending time with her family.
- Languages Known:
- Manipuri
- Hindi
- English
Early Life and Background
Childhood and Family
Mary Kom was born into a small family of farmers. Her parents, Mangte Tonpa Kom and Mangte Akham Kom, used to work day and night in the fields for the family’s survival. Financially, she was not privileged, but with this background, Mary grew up with a determination to do something extraordinary.
Interest in Sports
She always felt a penchant for athletics and desired to pursue it professionally. Inspiration did not come easy until the appearance of Dingko Singh, the Manipuri boxer from her native land, who took the gold at the 1998 Asian Games.
Mary Kom’s Boxing Career: The Rise of a Legend
A magnificent tale of relentless determination, remarkable skills, and unrelenting pursuit of glory in the boxers’ realm: Mary Kom’s story extends to two decades with unparalleled achievements in women’s boxing. Following is a thorough report on the successful boxing career.
Early Beginnings in Boxing (2000–2001)
- Mary Kom started boxing in 2000 after being inspired by fellow Manipuri boxer Dingko Singh, who won gold at the 1998 Asian Games.
- She trained under coach M. Narjit Singh at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) in Imphal.
- Her first major success came in 2001, when she won a gold medal at the Women’s National Boxing Championship.
Breakthrough on the International Stage (2001–2006)
- 2001 AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships:
- Won silver in her debut at the inaugural event in Scranton, USA, competing in the 48kg category.
- 2002 AIBA Women’s World Championships:
- Clinched her first gold medal, starting her dominance on the world stage.
- World Titles (2002–2006):
- Mary Kom went on to win three consecutive gold medals at the World Championships in 2002, 2005, and 2006 in the light flyweight category.
Continued Dominance and Challenges (2007–2012)
- Further World Titles:
- Mary Kom added to her tally by winning gold medals at the World Championships in 2008 and 2010, bringing her total to five titles by the end of 2010.
- Olympic Medal (2012):
- Mary Kom competed in the 2012 London Olympics, where women’s boxing was introduced for the first time.
- She won the bronze medal in the 51kg flyweight category, becoming the first Indian woman boxer to achieve this milestone.
- Switching Weight Categories:
- To qualify for the Olympics, Mary moved up from the 48kg to the 51kg category, showcasing her adaptability and determination.
The Golden Comeback (2014–2018)
- 2014 Asian Games:
- Won her first gold medal at the Incheon Asian Games in the flyweight category.
- 2018 Commonwealth Games:
- Mary Kom clinched the gold medal in the 48kg category at the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia.
- 2018 AIBA World Championships:
- Mary made history by winning her sixth World Championship title, becoming the first woman to achieve this feat.
Later Years and Legacy (2019–Present)
- 2019 World Championships:
- Secured a bronze medal, proving her consistency and skill despite competing against younger opponents.
- Tokyo 2020 Olympics:
- At 38 years old, Mary Kom competed in the Tokyo Olympics, narrowly losing in the pre-quarterfinals. Despite not medaling, she earned widespread respect for her determination.
- Role as a Mentor:
- Mary Kom has transitioned into a role of mentoring young boxers while continuing to inspire the next generation of athletes through her academy and public appearances.
Career Highlights
| Event | Medal | Year | Weight Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| World Boxing Championships | 6 Gold, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze | 2001–2018 | 48kg, 51kg |
| Olympics | 1 Bronze | 2012 | 51kg |
| Asian Games | 1 Gold, 1 Bronze | 2014, 2010 | 51kg |
| Commonwealth Games | 1 Gold | 2018 | 48kg |
| Asian Boxing Championships | 5 Gold, 1 Silver | 2003–2017 | 48kg, 51kg |
Fighting Style and Strengths
Mary Kom is known for her aggressive yet calculated boxing style, quick reflexes, and extraordinary endurance. Her ability to adapt to opponents’ strategies has made her one of the most formidable boxers in the world.
Balancing Motherhood and Career
This is one of the most remarkable journeys of Mary Kom, as she managed to maintain her role as a mother and professional athlete. After giving birth to her first child, she again returned to boxing, proving that women can really excel in their careers while fulfilling their familial responsibilities. Mary is now a mother of three sons and continues to inspire women around the world to break barriers.
Awards and Honors
Mary Kom’s extraordinary achievements have earned her numerous awards:
- Padma Vibhushan (2020): India’s second-highest civilian award.
- Padma Bhushan (2013): For her exceptional contribution to sports.
- Padma Shri (2006): Recognizing her early achievements in boxing.
- Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award (2009): India’s highest sporting honor.
- Arjuna Award (2003): For outstanding achievement in sports.
Personal Life and Legacy
Family and Support System
Mary Kom cites her husband, Onler Kom, as being her strength for the long distance she had traveled. He also helped manage the career while handling the family affair during training sessions and competitions. Apart from her boxing career, Mary Kom is a loving mother and a mentor. She also serves as a member of the Rajya Sabha, contributing to sports and societal development.
Mary Kom Academy
In Manipur, she founded the Mary Kom Regional Boxing Foundation to coach young, hopeful boxers. Her academy reflects her dedication to the development of future talent and to giving back to the sport that shaped her life.
Challenges and Comebacks
Mary Kom’s career never lacks setbacks:
- She was criticized for being too old during her later years at the boxing ring.
- Failed to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics but remained positive and focused on nurturing young athletes.
She was able to spring back from defeats and endure a sport for over two decades, which is marked with high competitiveness.
Also read Nikhat Zareen Biography
Inspiration and Impact
Mary Kom’s journey from a small village in Manipur to becoming a global boxing icon is a story of perseverance and grit. She has inspired millions, especially women, to break societal barriers and pursue their dreams relentlessly.
Inspirational Quotes by Mary Kom
Mary Kom’s journey is full of wisdom and motivation. Here are some of her most inspiring quotes that reflect her dedication, resilience, and determination:
“Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. Prove them wrong with your actions.” –On Overcoming Challenges
“If you don’t fight for what you want, don’t cry for what you lose.” –On Perseverance
“Success doesn’t come easy. You have to work hard for it and stay focused on your goal.” –On Hard Work
“It’s not the size of the person in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the person.” –On Resilience
“Being a mother and a boxer is not easy, but if you love something, you find a way to do it.” –On Balancing Life
“Women are strong. We can do anything if we set our minds to it.” –On Empowerment
“Your dreams are your own. Believe in yourself and work hard to make them a reality.” –On Self-Belief
“Failure is just a step toward success. Get up, learn, and move forward.” –On Never Giving Up
“I fight not just for myself, but for my country. That keeps me motivated.” –On Representing India
“Don’t let society define what you can or cannot do. Be your own definition of success.” –On Breaking Stereotypes
Mary Kom’s Net Worth
As of 2023, Mary Kom’s estimated net worth is around $4–5 million (₹30–40 crore). Her wealth primarily comes from her successful boxing career, government awards, endorsements, and other ventures.
Sources of Income
- Boxing Earnings:
- Prize money from national and international competitions, including her victories at the World Championships, Olympics, and other tournaments.
- Government Rewards:
- Significant cash rewards from the Indian government and state governments for her medals and achievements.
- Examples include ₹50 lakh from the Manipur government for her Olympic bronze medal.
- Brand Endorsements:
- Mary Kom has endorsed top brands like P&G, Nestle, BSNL, Bridgestone, and more, earning substantial income through advertisements and sponsorships.
- Mary Kom Academy:
- Revenue from her Mary Kom Regional Boxing Foundation in Manipur, which trains young boxers.
- Political Career:
- Mary Kom serves as a Rajya Sabha MP, receiving remuneration and allowances for her role in the Indian Parliament.
Conclusion
The life of Mary Kom epitomizes the true sense of what dedication, hard work, and passion can accomplish. The transition from a farmer’s daughter to becoming the most prominent figure in global boxing today is truly the story of how dreams power themselves with strength in the face of obstacles. Through her life story, Mary inspires a new generation of athletes for generations to come.
Mary Kom Movie: A Biographical Tribute to the Boxing Legend
The movie “Mary Kom” is a 2014 Indian biographical sports drama that portrays the inspiring journey of the legendary Indian boxer, Mary Kom. Directed by Omung Kumar and produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the film stars Priyanka Chopra Jonas in the titular role.
Mary Kom’s Autobiography: “Unbreakable”
Mary Kom penned her life story in an inspiring autobiography titled “Unbreakable,” published in 2013. The book chronicles her journey from a small village in Manipur to becoming one of the most iconic boxers in the world.
Overview of the Book
- Early Life and Challenges
- Rise in Boxing
- Balancing Motherhood and Boxing
- Key Achievements
- Personal Insights
FAQs
Why is Mary Kom so famous?
Mary Kom is famous for being a six-time World Champion in boxing, the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in boxing, and a global icon for breaking barriers in sports.
Does Mary Kom have an Olympic medal?
Yes, Mary Kom won a bronze medal in the 51kg flyweight category at the 2012 London Olympics.
In which state does Mary Kom belong?
Mary Kom hails from Manipur, a northeastern state in India.
How did Mary Kom lose 2 kg?
Mary Kom lost 2 kg by following a strict diet and intensive training regimen, focusing on cardio, sparring, and other physical activities to maintain her weight for competitions.
