After trading punches, perfecting footwork, working on speed and endurance for two hours, five-time World champion and London Olympics bronze medallist M.C. Mary Kom was lying on the canvas. Completely drenched and completely drained. One wondered what was the motivation for a 31-year-old mother of three to toil so hard, thousands of miles away from her small kids and family?
The passion for donning the boxing gloves and headguard, taking on opponents (some new and some of them old) and standing on the podium with the national flag on the chest is a different addiction. Mary Kom has lived this addiction all her life. Whatever she has gained in return is secondary. Perhaps that’s why she has changed the least.
“I have remained the same. I do not want to change anything. I want to stay as I was before,” says Mary with a bright smile.
Mary blushes when one refers to her as a boxing icon. But the top pugilist, on whose life the Priyanka Chopra-starrer biopic Mary Kom hit the theatres recently, loves her role as an agent of change. “I am very happy that because of my hard work, struggle, dedication, determination and discipline, Indian women boxers are known around the world. The International Boxing Association (AIBA) must have taken into account my achievements and the fact that I was a mother of two kids before recognising me as ‘Magnificent Mary.’ Sometimes we may lose and sometimes we may win. But maintaining consistency is difficult.”
She continues, “Women get inspired and say, ‘Wow, a supermom can do this.’ But (I wonder) why others cannot do it! Lots of boxers are getting motivated seeing me and making a comeback to boxing after getting married. Their performance is still good and there is no reason why they should not continue. In our country women are normally looked down upon as people think they won’t be able to do several things. But that is not correct.”
Mary thanks everybody who has offered a helping hand in her journey. Her husband Onler Kom’s contribution is significant in the later phase of her career. “I used to be a footballer and after our marriage I thought it was my duty to support Mary. In her absence, I have gone through really tough times to raise my twin sons. Now I am looking after three children. But I am happy to see her achieve her dreams,” says Onler.
But the most striking aspect about the couple is their down-to-earth attitude. “We are still the same people, eating the same food. The only change in our life is we have got some money, we live in a bigger house and drive a car,” says Onler.
Mary acknowledges Onler’s unflinching support. “Because of him, I could come back and concentrate on my game.”
Mary, a Superintendent of Police in Imphal, hopes that the movie on her life will inspire the womenfolk of the country. “If people get inspired by seeing me then that is another kind of achievement for me. Hope, the movie will change people’s minds.”
The boxing superstar compliments Priyanka for giving life to her tough character on the screen. “Priyanka has done her best to perform my role. She has put in a lot of hard work.”
Mary’s life, however, revolves around the boxing ring. The second ambition in her life is to turn her academy in Imphal into one of the hottest destinations for aspiring boxers. Here too, Onler extends his wholehearted support. “The academy is one of her priorities. We had started it in 2006 at a kutcha building. Since Mary got her job, she has donated all her salary for the academy. Now it is producing National and State champions. The Sports Ministry has sanctioned funds for making its new building.”
For sure, Mary Kom, the face of women’s boxing in India, will continue to inspire many a woman to script her own destiny.
