Mangte Chungneijang Mary Kom

Born: 1982
A-112, Zone-II, National Games village Langol
Imphal West, Manipur
Padma Shri: 2006
Padma Bhushan: 2013
Padma Vibhushan: 2020

About

Mangte Chungneijang Mary Kom, widely known as Mary Kom, is an iconic Indian boxer hailing from the northeastern state of Manipur. In recognition of her outstanding contributions to sports, she was honoured with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, in 2006. This accolade marked a significant milestone in her illustrious career, acknowledging her dedication and achievements in boxing. It also served as a national recognition of her relentless pursuit of excellence in a sport traditionally dominated by men, inspiring young women to chase their dreams, irrespective of societal norms.

Education

Mary Kom’s educational journey began in rural Manipur. She attended a Christian missionary school near Loktak Lake and later shifted to various schools due to her family’s nomadic lifestyle. Despite these challenges, she remained committed to her studies. However, her passion for sports, especially boxing, often took precedence over academics. She did not complete her formal education but focused on her boxing career. This pivotal decision led her to become one of the most celebrated athletes in India. Despite her educational challenges, Mary Kom’s hunger for learning extended beyond classrooms as she absorbed lessons from life, sports, and the challenges she overcame.

Hardships Faced

Mary Kom’s journey to boxing stardom was fraught with challenges:

Economic Constraints: Born to a family of modest means, her parents were tenant farmers who struggled to make ends meet. This financial hardship meant limited access to proper training facilities and equipment. Often, she had to train with makeshift equipment and rely on sheer grit and determination to hone her skills.

Societal Expectations: Pursuing boxing, a male-dominated sport, was unconventional for women in her community. She faced societal pressures and skepticism about her choice. At a time when women were expected to conform to traditional roles, she dared to defy norms and chase her dream.

Balancing Roles: After marriage and motherhood, Mary Kom juggled her responsibilities as a wife and mother with her demanding training and competition schedules. Many doubted her ability to return to the ring post-motherhood, but she proved them wrong with a triumphant comeback.

Health Challenges: Maintaining peak physical condition was challenging due to inadequate nutrition during her early training days, as her diet primarily consisted of rice and vegetables without sufficient proteins. Injuries and lack of access to advanced medical care further tested her resilience.

Contributions that Brought About the Change

Mary Kom’s contributions to boxing and society are profound:

Pioneering Women’s Boxing: She emerged as a trailblaser in women’s boxing, inspiring countless young women to take up the sport in India. Her success challenged traditional gender roles and opened doors for future generations.

Establishing the Mary Kom Boxing Academy: In 2006, she founded the Mary Kom Boxing Academy in Manipur. This institution provides free training to underprivileged youth, aiming to produce world-class boxers from the region. Despite limited resources, the academy has been instrumental in nurturing talent. Young girls and boys who once only dreamed of stepping into a boxing ring now have a platform to train and shine. Her academy has transformed Manipur into a hub for boxing, producing several national-level athletes.

Advocacy and Mentorship: Beyond the ring, Mary Kom has advocated for women’s empowerment and sports development. She mentors young athletes, sharing her experiences and guiding them through the challenges of professional sports. Her story is a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes, especially young girls from underprivileged backgrounds.

Political Engagement: Nominated as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha in 2016, she uses her platform to address issues related to sports and the northeastern states, striving for better infrastructure and support for athletes. She has been vocal about the need for better sports facilities and financial support for athletes, ensuring that the next generation does not have to struggle like she did.

Promoting Women’s Empowerment: Mary Kom’s life story has become synonymous with resilience and breaking barriers. Through public speaking engagements, media appearances, and grassroots initiatives, she actively promotes gender equality and encourages young girls to pursue their passions.

Before and After

Before Mary Kom’s rise, women’s boxing in India was virtually nonexistent. The sport lacked infrastructure, recognition, and participants. Her achievements brought boxing into the national spotlight, leading to increased investment, better facilities, and increased participation among women. Today, India has a strong presence in international women’s boxing, with several young athletes drawing inspiration from Mary Kom’s legacy. The transformation is evident in the number of female boxers representing India in international arenas, a testament to the path she paved.

Achievements and Accolades

Mary Kom’s career is adorned with numerous accolades:

World Championships: She is a six-time World Amateur Boxing champion, the only woman to have achieved this feat. Each victory cemented her reputation as one of the greatest boxers in the world.

Olympic Medal: She won a bronse medal in the flyweight category at the 2012 London Olympics, making her the only Indian female boxer to have won an Olympic medal.

Asian Games: In 2014, she became the first Indian woman boxer to clinch a gold medal at the Asian Games held in Incheon, South Korea.

Commonwealth Games: She secured a gold medal in the 48kg category at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, further cementing her legacy.

National Honours: Besides the Padma Shri, she was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2013 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2020, India’s third and second-highest civilian awards, respectively.

Other Recognitions: Mary Kom has also been honoured with the Arjuna Award (2003), the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award (2009), and numerous other accolades at the state, national, and international levels.

Mary Kom’s story is about resilience, determination, and breaking barriers. Her journey from a small village in Manipur to global boxing arenas inspires, illustrating that one can overcome any obstacle with grit and perseverance. Today, she is a sports legend and a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes and women across the country. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come, both inside and outside the ring.

Mangte Chungneijang Mary Kom