In a sport long dominated by men, Mary Kom shattered every barrier to emerge as India’s boxing icon. Born into poverty in a remote Manipur village, the six-time world champion turned her dreams into reality despite overwhelming odds.
Mary Kom entered the world on November 24, 1982, in Kangthei village, Churachandpur district. Her farmer father toiled the fields, and young Mary joined him, balancing sibling care amid hardship. Boxing sparked in 1998 when she saw Dingko Singh’s Asian Games gold, igniting a fire that no obstacle could extinguish.
Her father’s staunch opposition couldn’t deter her. Lacking nutrition and family backing, Mary trained relentlessly. Basic facilities were absent, yet her punches grew sharper. In 2005, she married Onler Kom, whose unwavering support became her pillar.
Twins arrived in 2007, pausing her ascent, but Mary roared back at the 2012 London Olympics, clinching bronze. She’s the only boxer with six World Championship golds. Asian Games 2014 and Commonwealth Games 2018 added more gold to her trove.
Awards poured in: Padma Shri in 2006, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna in 2009. Mary Kom’s journey from village fields to global rings redefines grit, inspiring millions that true champions forge their own paths.