Mary Kom, also known as “Magnificent Mary,” is a renowned Indian boxer who has made a name for herself in the international boxing scene. She has achieved numerous feats in her career, including being a six-time world champion and an Olympic bronze medalist. Mary Kom is a true inspiration to many, not just for her accomplishments in the sport, but also for her incredible journey of determination and perseverance.
EARLY LIFE AND STRUGGLES
Mary Kom was born in Kangathei, Manipur, India on March 1, 1983. She was the youngest of three children and had a keen interest in sports from a young age. However, her parents were not supportive of her aspirations and wanted her to focus on her studies instead. Despite facing opposition from her family, Mary Kom remained determined and continued to pursue her passion for sports.
At the age of 15, Mary Kom began her boxing career. However, she faced numerous obstacles along the way, including financial struggles and societal prejudices. She often had to train without proper equipment or facilities, and she was frequently discouraged from pursuing boxing as it was considered a “man’s sport.”
Despite the challenges, Mary Kom persevered and continued to train hard. Her hard work paid off, and she soon began making a name for herself in the Indian boxing scene.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Mary Kom’s career is filled with numerous achievements and accolades. She has won six gold medals at the World Boxing Championships and is the only female boxer to have won an award in each of the first seven world championships. In the 2012 London Olympics, he also won a bronze medal.
Apart from her accomplishments in the ring, Mary Kom is also an inspiration for her contributions outside of boxing. She has been a strong advocate for women’s empowerment and has worked towards improving the conditions for women in her home state of Manipur. She has also been appointed as a member of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian parliament.


AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
Mary Kom is not only one of the most accomplished female boxers in the world, but she has also received numerous awards and recognitions for her contributions to sports and society. Here are some of the most significant honors she has received throughout her career.
ARJUNA AWARD
In 2003, Mary Kom was awarded the Arjuna Award, which is one of India’s highest honors for athletes. The award recognizes outstanding achievements in sports and is presented annually by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
PADMA SHRI
Mary Kom received the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, in 2006. She was the first female boxer to receive the honor and was recognized for her contributions to sports.
PADMA BHUSHAN
In 2013, Mary Kom received the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award. She was honored for her contributions to sports and was the first female boxer to receive the award.
WORLD BOXING CHAMPIONSHIPS
Mary Kom has won numerous gold medals at the World Boxing Championships, making her one of the most decorated female boxers in history. She won her first gold medal in 2002 and has since won five more titles, with her most recent win in 2018.
COMMONWEALTH GAMES
Mary Kom also represented India at the Commonwealth Games, where she won a gold medal in the women’s flyweight division at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia.
OLYMPIC MEDAL
In 2012, Mary Kom won a bronze medal at the London Olympics, becoming the first Indian female boxer to win an Olympic medal. Her achievement was a significant milestone for Indian sports and helped to raise the profile of women’s boxing in the country.
Don’t give up as there is always a next time.”
CONCLUSION
Mary Kom’s story is a testament to the power of determination and perseverance. Despite facing numerous challenges and obstacles, she never gave up on her dreams and continued to work hard towards achieving her goals. Her achievements in the sport of boxing are a source of inspiration for many, and her contributions towards women’s empowerment and social causes make her a true role model.