Updated December 15, 2023
Mary Kom: A Trailblazing Journey from the Boxing Ring to Parliament
Mangte Chungneijang Mary Kom, born November 24, 1982, in Kagathei, Moirang Lamkhai, Churachandpur district, Manipur, India, is a living legend. Her life’s narrative weaves through the struggles of rural India, the pursuit of athletic excellence, and the corridors of political power. This biographical exploration delves into the life of a remarkable athlete who conquered the boxing ring and emerged as a symbol of resilience and empowerment.
Early Life and Introduction to Boxing
Mary Kom’s humble beginnings in a poor Kom family shaped her indomitable spirit. Her parents, Mangte Tonpa Kom and Mangte Akham Kom, were tenant farmers working in jhum fields. Growing up amidst agricultural chores, school, and athletics, Mary developed a keen interest in sports, initially excelling in javelin and 400-meter running.
Inspired by fellow Manipuri boxer Dingko Singh’s success at the 1998 Bangkok Asian Games, Mary decided to try her hand at boxing. Despite her father’s initial concerns about the impact on her appearance, Mary secretly pursued her passion until her victory in the state boxing championship in 2000 brought it to light.
Rise to Boxing Stardom
Mary’s journey in boxing began under the guidance of her first coach, K. Kosana Meitei, and later continued under Manipur state boxing coach M. Narjit Singh. Her dedication and quick grasp of boxing fundamentals made her a rising talent. Over the years, she transitioned through various weight classes, winning accolades in national and international competitions.
In the 2012 London Olympics, Mary Kom became the only Indian female boxer to qualify and secure a bronze medal in the flyweight category. Her achievements continued to mount, with gold medals at the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and World Championships, solidifying her status as a boxing icon.
Beyond the Boxing Ring: Political Ascent and Recognition
Mary Kom has made a profound impact beyond her achievements in sports. In 2016, she was nominated by then-President Pranab Mukherjee to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian parliament. Since then, Her influence has expanded as the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India appointed her as a national boxing observer.
The Government of Manipur honored Mary Kom with the title “Meethoi Leima” in 2018, recognizing her exceptional contributions. Her success led to further accolades, including the prestigious Padma Vibhushan in 2020, India’s second-highest civilian award.
Personal Life and Social Causes
Mary Kom’s personal life intertwines with her achievements. Married to footballer Karung Onkholer (Onler) since 2005, they share three sons and adopted a daughter named Merilyn in 2018. Beyond family and sports, Mary actively supports social causes.
An animal rights activist who supports PETA India. Mary advocates for ending the use of elephants in circuses. She has also championed PETA India’s humane education campaign, Compassionate Citizen, emphasizing the importance of teaching compassion to young minds.
Legacy and Future
Mary Kom’s journey from a remote village to global recognition is an inspiration. Her resilience, determination, and trailblazing achievements have left an indelible mark on Indian sports. As Mary continues contributing to the boxing world and society, her story symbolizes hope and empowerment for future generations.
Sporting Triumphs and Challenges
After her historic sixth world title in 2018, Mary Kom’s career flourished. The Government of Manipur celebrated her success by conferring the title “Meethoi Leima,” symbolizing her greatness. In 2019, she solidified her position as the most successful boxer at world championships, further etching her name in the annals of sports history.
Despite her unparalleled achievements, Mary faced challenges in qualifying for the 2016 Rio Olympics. Undeterred, she set her sights on the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, declaring it her last appearance at the Summer Games. In 2020, she faced a moment of contention during the Summer Olympics, expressing disbelief at a split decision that didn’t favor her. Her competitive spirit remained unbroken.
International Recognition and Leadership Roles
Mary’s influence reached global heights when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) named her a female representative of boxing’s athlete ambassadors group for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Her leadership extended to serving as the Super Fight League (SFL) brand ambassador, demonstrating her diverse engagement with sports beyond boxing.
Challenges
1. Gender Bias in Sports
Mary Kom’s journey to boxing greatness was fraught with challenges, particularly in a society where traditional gender roles often confined women to certain expectations. Breaking free from societal norms, Mary faced skepticism and prejudice as she pursued a career in boxing, a sport predominantly associated with men. Overcoming these gender biases became integral to her narrative, and her success shattered stereotypes, inspiring countless young girls to pursue their athletic dreams.
2. Financial Struggles
Hailing from a modest background in Manipur, Mary Kom encountered financial hurdles on her path to becoming a world-class athlete. The lack of resources and financial support initially made her access to proper training facilities and coaching difficult. Despite these challenges, Mary Kom’s determination drove her to seek opportunities and financial support to continue her pursuit of excellence in the sport.
3. Balancing Family and Career
As a mother of three children, Mary Kom faced the arduous task of balancing her responsibilities at home with the demanding training regimen required for professional boxing. Juggling family commitments and the rigorous demands of elite sports presented a unique set of challenges. Her ability to navigate this delicate balance highlighted her athletic prowess, resilience, and commitment to her family and career.
4. Weight Category Changes
Mary Kom’s adaptability was tested when she navigated through various weight categories in her career. Changing weight classes in boxing requires training, technique, and strategy adjustments. Despite these transitions’ physical and mental challenges, Mary Kom showcased her versatility by excelling in multiple weight categories, a testament to her skill and determination.
5. Olympic Participation Struggle
The absence of women’s boxing from the Olympic Games until 2012 posed a significant challenge for Mary Kom. The long-standing exclusion denied her the opportunity to compete on the grandest stage. However, her perseverance and advocacy for gender equality in sports played a crucial role in eventually securing a place for women’s boxing at the Olympics, allowing her to realize her dream of Olympic participation and success.
6. Injury Setbacks
Like any athlete, Mary Kom faced her share of injuries throughout her career. Overcoming physical setbacks, including injuries sustained during training and competitions, required resilience and rigorous rehabilitation. Her ability to bounce back from these setbacks showcased her mental toughness and dedication to her craft.
7. Future of Indian Women in Boxing
Mary Kom’s success highlighted the broader challenges female athletes face in India. Despite her achievements, there is ongoing work to create more opportunities, facilities, and recognition for women in sports. Mary Kom’s advocacy extends beyond her personal journey, as she continues to champion the cause of empowering women in sports, working towards a more inclusive and supportive environment for the future generations of female athletes in India.
Championships and Medals
Mary Kom’s journey to becoming a legendary figure in boxing was marked by numerous national championships and accolades in India. Her consistent success at the national level demonstrated her exceptional skills and laid the foundation for her future triumphs on the international stage.
| Year | Event | Medal |
| 2001 | World Boxing Championship | Silver |
| 2000 to 2005 | Sr. Women’s National Boxing Championships | Gold |
| 2008 | Asian Women’s Boxing Championship, India | Gold |
| 2009 | Asian Indoor Games, Vietnam | Gold |
| 2010 | World Boxing Championships, Barbados | Gold |
| 2010 | Asian Women’s Boxing Championships, Kazakhstan | Gold |
| 2012 | Asian Women’s Boxing Championships, Mongolia | Gold |
| 2017 | Asian Women’s Boxing Championships, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | Gold |
| 2018 | 20th AIBA World Women’s World Championship, Delhi | Gold |
| 2018 | 13th International Silesian Boxing Championship, Poland | Gold |
| 2018 | Commonwealth Games 2018, Gold Coast | Gold |
| 2019 | 2nd India Open, Guwahati, Assam | Gold |
| 2019 | President’s Cup, Indonesia | Gold |
| 2020 | Asia Oceania Olympic Qualifier, Jordan | Gold |
Awards and Recognitions
Awards and Recognitions: Pinnacle of Excellence for Mary Kom
Mary Kom’s illustrious career in amateur boxing is adorned with many prestigious awards and recognitions, marking her as a trailblazer and an icon in the realm of sports. Her achievements transcend the boxing ring, setting new benchmarks and earning her unparalleled recognition nationally and internationally.
National Awards:
- Padma Vibhushan (Sports), 2020: One of India’s highest civilian honors, Padma Vibhushan, was conferred upon Mary Kom in 2020, recognizing her outstanding contributions to sports.
- Padma Bhushan (Sports), 2013: Mary Kom became the first amateur athlete to win the Padma Bhushan in 2013, a testament to her groundbreaking impact on Indian sports.
- Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, 2009: This prestigious award, named after the legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand, was bestowed upon Mary Kom in 2009, acknowledging her exceptional achievements in boxing.
- Padma Shri (Sports), 2006: Mary Kom received the Padma Shri in 2006, an honor recognizing her contributions to the sports field.
- Arjuna Award (Boxing), 2003: In 2003, Mary Kom was honored with the Arjuna Award, a commendation for her outstanding achievements in boxing.
Other Awards and Recognitions:
- AIBA Legends Award (First Recipient): The International Boxing Association (AIBA) honored Mary Kom with the first AIBA Legends Award for her promising boxing career, recognizing her as a true legend in the sport.
- AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships Brand Ambassador (2016): Mary Kom was announced as the brand ambassador for the 2016 AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships, solidifying her status as a representative and influencer in women’s boxing.
- People of the Year – Limca Book of Records (2007): Her remarkable achievements led to her recognition as one of the People of the Year in the Limca Book of Records in 2007.
- CNN-IBN & Reliance Industries’ Real Heroes Award (2008): Mary Kom was honored with the Real Heroes Award in 2008, recognizing her as a real hero in sports.
- Pepsi MTV Youth Icon (2008): A testament to her influence beyond sports, Mary Kom was named the Pepsi MTV Youth Icon in 2008, reflecting her impact on the youth.
- AIBA Ambassador for Women’s Boxing (2009): The International Boxing Association appointed Mary Kom as the Ambassador for Women’s Boxing in 2009, recognizing her role in promoting and advancing the sport.
- Sportswoman of the Year, Sahara Sports Award (2010): Mary Kom’s stellar performances earned her the title of Sportswoman of the Year at the Sahara Sports Award in 2010.
- Olympians for Life by WOA (World Olympians Association): Mary Kom was recognized as an Olympian for Life by the World Olympians Association, acknowledging her enduring commitment to the Olympic values.
- Honorary Doctorate Degrees: Mary Kom received honorary Doctorate degrees (D.Litt) from North-Eastern Hill University in 2016 and (DPhil) from Kaziranga University in 2019, showcasing her academic and sporting excellence.
Awards for the Bronze Medal at the 2012 London Olympics:
In recognition of her historic bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics, Mary Kom received substantial awards:
- ₹5 million (US$63,000) cash award and two acres of land from the Manipur Government.
- ₹2.5 million (US$31,000) cash award from the Rajasthan Government.
- ₹2 million (US$25,000) cash award from the Assam Government.
- ₹1 million (US$13,000) cash was awarded from the Arunachal Pradesh Government.
- ₹1 million (US$13,000) cash was awarded from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (India).
- ₹4 million (US$50,000) cash award from the North Eastern Council.
Special Title: Meethoileima (2018)
In 2018, the Manipur Government honored Mary Kom with the title “Meethoileima,” a distinctive recognition signifying her greatness.
Media and Cultural Influence
Mary Kom’s life story became a source of inspiration beyond the sports realm. Her autobiography, “Unbreakable,” co-authored by Dina Serto, resonates with readers, offering a glimpse into the determination that fueled her success. The Bollywood film “Mary Kom,” featuring Priyanka Chopra, brought her narrative to the silver screen, reaching a broader audience.
In children’s literature, Mary finds a place in “The Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls,” showcasing her influence as a female role model. Her presence in documentaries like “With This Ring” further solidifies her legacy in India’s sporting history.
Personal and Family Life
Amidst her professional exploits, Mary Kom’s personal life is a testament to balance. Her enduring marriage to footballer Karung Onkholer and their three sons, along with the adoption of their daughter Merilyn, exemplifies her commitment to family values amidst a demanding career.
Championing Social Causes
Mary Kom’s commitment extends to social causes, notably as an animal rights activist supporting PETA India. Her advocacy against cruelty to animals and efforts to incorporate humane education into school curriculums showcase her dedication to a compassionate society.
Conclusion
In concluding the narrative of Mary Kom’s life, it is evident that she transcends the boundaries of sports. Her journey from a rural village to global recognition, from the boxing ring to the political arena, exemplifies resilience, passion, and leadership. Mary Kom’s legacy extends beyond her record-breaking achievements; it is a testament to the transformative power of determination, skill, and a compassionate heart. As she continues to inspire generations, Mary Kom remains an enduring symbol of excellence in Indian sports and an inspiration for individuals worldwide.
