The Queen of Boxing: M.C. Mary Kom

An inspiring journey of determination, challenges, and triumph in the world of boxing.

Indian Women Sports Celebrities

• PV Sindhu: Badminton

• Geeta Phogat: Wrestling

• Koneru Humpy: Chess

• Karnam Malleshwari: Weightlifting

• Anjali Bhagwat: Shooting

• Sania Mirza: Tennis

• Dipika Pallikal: Squash

• Bula Choudhury: Swimming

• P.T. Usha: Athletics

• Saba Anjum Karim: Hockey

• Akanksha Singh: Basketball

• Mithali Raj: Cricket

• Sharmila Nicollet: Golf

• Deepika Kumari: Archery

Mary Kom's Journey to the USA (2001)

• Selected for the AIBA World Women's Boxing Championships in Pennsylvania, USA.

• Father collected only Rs 2,000, causing worry about US expenses.

• Friend Onler helped secure Rs 8,000 from two MPs, totaling Rs 10,000.

• Left for the US with a "princely sum" and additional collected funds.

• Determined not to return empty-handed after public support.

First Impressions & Early Rounds in USA

• Pennsylvania was cold, beautiful, and snowing upon arrival.

• Confined to the sports arena, but found the surroundings pleasing and people nice.

• First time traveling so far, eager to experience America.

• Arrived last, went straight to the arena for compulsory weigh-in.

• Suffered from jet lag but was fortunate not to have a match on arrival day.

• Rested well and comfortably won her first round, overcoming initial fear.

Road to the Finals & Disappointment

• Competed in the 48 kg category, reaching the finals as teammates lost.

• Believed this event would change her life, confident in her abilities.

• Defeated Nadia Hokmi (Poland) by RSC in the quarter-final.

• Defeated Jamie Behal (Canada) 21-9 in the semi-final.

• Lost to Hula Sahin (Turkey) 13-5 in the finals, missing gold.

• Main disadvantage was loss of appetite due to unfamiliar food, leading to weight loss (46 kg before finals).

Post-Championship Reflections & Return

• Cried after the loss but was consoled and lauded by coaches for silver.

• Only team member to win a medal, gaining conviction she could face any boxer.

• Learned to adapt to different foods and customs during international travel.

• Started packing food from home after five years of travel due to food challenges.

• Received warm welcome in Delhi and a grand reception in Imphal.

• Vowed to win gold in future tournaments, despite the significance of her first silver.

Financial Security & Continued Success

• Silver medal and prize money eased immediate financial worries.

• Desired a job for long-term security and steady income, having no savings.

• Accepted Sub-Inspector post from Manipur government in 2005 after second World Championship gold.

• Fulfilled dream of a government job through sports quota, earning Rs. 15,000 salary.

• Sports quota jobs allow flexibility due to frequent camps and tournaments.

• Continued medal haul after marriage, defying speculation from family and friends.

World Titles & 'Magnificent Mary'

• Retained world title in 2005 (Podolsk, Russia) and 2006 (New Delhi).

• Won multiple golds from 2001-2004, including Senior Women's Boxing Championships and Asian Championships.

• Achieved a hat-trick of World Championship wins by 2006.

• Considered 2006 win in New Delhi most memorable, winning at home.

• India won four golds, one silver, and three bronzes, securing the overall team title.

• Media christened her 'Queen of Boxing' and 'Magnificent Mary' after her hat-trick.

About the Author: M.C. Mary Kom

• Five-time World Boxing Champion and 2012 Olympic Bronze Medalist.

• Played hockey, football, and athletics as a schoolgirl.

• Inspired by Manipuri boxer Dingko Singh to take up boxing.

• Won first international medal (silver) in Pennsylvania, USA, in 2001.

• Only woman boxer to medal in each of six World Championships.

• Honored with Padma Shri (2010) and Padma Bhushan (2013).

• Authored her autobiography 'Unbreakable' in 2013.