Mary Kom : An Inspiration

Mary Kom is a legendary Indian boxer who has made a remarkable impact in the world of sports. She is widely known for being a six-time World Boxing Champion, as well as the first woman to win a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics. Her incredible achievements in the sport have earned her widespread recognition and respect not only in India but also globally. Mary Kom is an icon of Indian sports. Her dominance in the ring and unwavering determination have inspired many young athletes to pursue their dreams.

Behind every success is a tough journey! Mary had to do the same. She was born on March 1, 1982, in the village of Kangthei in Manipur. Mary was introduced to boxing in 2000 at a permanent boxing gym. Unfazed by financial constraints at home and social constraints, she started showing interest in sports. At first, Kom's father did not support her boxing goals since he was concerned about her face getting hurt and affecting her marriage prospects. However, after three years, he began supporting her boxing career.

Mary Kom has had to face numerous challenges throughout her career, including injuries, personal setbacks, and other issues. However, she has consistently demonstrated her determination and perseverance by delivering excellent performances in the game. Mary has been recognized with several prestigious awards for her significant contributions to sports, including the Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, Arjuna Award, and the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award. Mary is not just a sports star, but also an advocate fighting for women's rights. She has become the voice of women in Manipur, who face violence, abuse, and discrimination due to masculinist views. She has used her fame to create a platform to win this fight. In today's world, education and sports are given priority to live life. Mary has worked to give strong encouragement to children from underprivileged societies, especially girls. Mary is involved in various social causes, including campaigns against drug abuse, supporting healthy living, and supporting the welfare of the disabled.

Mary Kom is a true inspiration for many. Not only has she made a name for herself in the world of sports and social work, but she has also ventured into politics. In 2016, she was elected as a Member of Parliament and has since then used her platform to advocate for women's rights and empowerment in sports. In addition to her political career, Mary Kom has also started her own fitness academy and gymnasium in Imphal, Manipur. Her initiative has not only contributed to the promotion of healthy living, but it has also created a surge in the demand for fitness facilities in the region. Mary Kom's dedication to both sports and social causes has made her a role model for many, and her contributions to society have been truly commendable.

Behind Mary Kom, there are a few faces who are contributing equally to making India proud. They include Olympic bronze medalist Lovelina Borgohain in the welterweight category, veteran boxer Sarita Devi with multiple Asian Games and Asian Championship medals, Commonwealth Games gold medalist Pooja Rani, and Simranjit Kaur in the lightweight category, an Asian Games bronze medalist. Despite all of this, somewhere, the time has come to say goodbye to Mary so soon. It would have been interesting to see Mary play again, but she has recently announced her retirement. Due to IBA rules, the age limit for both sexes is only 40 years, and Mary is currently 41. Mary has expressed her desire to continue playing but feels that the rule is forcing her into retirement.