Mary Kom, a name synonymous with Indian boxing prowess, has achieved legendary status. This post delves into the life and career of this remarkable athlete, exploring her personal journey and extraordinary accomplishments.
Biography/Wiki
Chungneijang Mary Kom Hmangte, or simply Mary Kom, was born on March 1st, 1983, in Kangathei, Manipur, India. Celebrating her 40th birthday in 2023, she continues to inspire, having won Gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia. Her boxing training began early, leading to national and international recognition. Affectionately known as “Magnificent Mary,” her dedication is unparalleled.
Physical Features
Standing at 5’3″ (160 cm) and weighing approximately 50 kg (110 lbs), Mary Kom possesses a powerful physique. Her brown hair and black eyes are striking features. Regarding her fitness, she emphasizes the importance of planning and quick reflexes, stating: “The secret to my success is my fitness and I am very quick. I plan well before bouts. I am lucky that I can catch my opponents within seconds.”
Family
Born into a humble Christian family, Mary’s parents, Mangte Tonpa Kom and Mangte Akham Kom, were tenant farmers. Her father was a wrestler, influencing her athletic journey. She grew up with three siblings: Chung, Nei, and Jang. In 2005, she married Karung Onkholer Kom, a former footballer who supported her career by managing household responsibilities.
The couple welcomed twin sons, Rechungvar Kom and Khupneivar Kom, in 2007, and a third child, Prince Kom, in 2013. Remarkably, she won the Asian Games Gold medal just a year after giving birth to Prince in 2014.
Education
Mary attended several schools throughout her childhood. Her education included Loktak Christian Model High School, St. Xavier Catholic School, and Adimjati High School, all in Manipur. Despite facing challenges with her matriculation exams, she later completed her 10th standard through NIOS and graduated from Churachandpur College. Her early athleticism involved various sports before focusing on boxing, inspired by Dingko Singh’s 1998 Asian Games victory.
Career
Mary Kom’s illustrious boxing career began at age 15 when she joined a sports academy in Imphal. Initially, her father was hesitant due to concerns about injuries, but her 2000 State Boxing Championship win secured his support. Her first World Championship Gold medal in 2002 was the start of an unprecedented streak of six gold medals. This achievement made her the first woman to achieve such success.
Beyond world championships, she represented India in the 2012 Olympics, winning a Bronze medal in the 51 kg category. She added another Gold medal to her collection at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia.
Medals
Mary Kom’s impressive medal collection showcases her dominance in the world of boxing. Here’s a glimpse into her achievements:
| Year | Medal | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Silver | Women’s World Amateur Boxing Championships |
| 2002 | Gold | Women’s World Amateur Boxing Championships |
| 2002 | Gold | Witch Cup |
| 2003 | Gold | Asian Women’s Championships |
| 2004 | Gold | Women’s World Cup |
| 2005 | Gold | Asian Women’s Championships |
| 2005 | Gold | Women’s World Amateur Boxing Championships |
| 2006 | Gold | Women’s World Amateur Boxing Championships |
| 2018 | Gold | Commonwealth Games |
| 2018 | Gold | AIBA Women’s World Championships |
This table only includes a selection of her numerous wins to maintain a concise overview.
Awards/Honours
- 2003: Arjuna Award (Boxing)
- 2006: Padma Shree (Sports)
- 2009: Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award
- 2013: Padma Bhushan (Sports)
- 2020: Padma Vibhushan (Sports)
- 2023: Global Indian Icon of the Year award
Favourites
Beyond boxing, Mary Kom enjoys a variety of interests. Tahini and falafel are among her favorite foods. She is a fan of Priyanka Chopra and the music of Lata Mangeshkar. In addition to boxing, she appreciates volleyball, football, wrestling, and athletics.
Philanthropy
Mary Kom’s compassion extends beyond the boxing ring. She actively works for the underprivileged and is an animal rights activist, supporting PETA India’s efforts to end animal cruelty in circuses. Her dedication to social causes reflects her strong sense of humanitarianism.
Facts
- She enjoys martial arts, traveling, watching TV, and singing.
- In 2014, a biopic titled “Mary Kom,” starring Priyanka Chopra, was released.
- She served as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha.
