Introduction:
It would not be a tall claim if stated that Mary Kom is the best pugilist that India has produced. Her recent best performance is the stupendous achievement in the 48 kg world women boxing championships. The best tribute to Mary Kom’s stunning fifth triumph in the world championships came from Vijender Singh, the Indian bronze medallist in the Beijing Olympics. He described Mary Kom as the Kim Clijsters of Indian sports and went on to blame the media for not playing up her achievements. Throughout her decade-long career in boxing, she has won numerous world titles, national awards and also given birth to two children.
Biography:
Born: 1st March 1983
Hailing from the Kangathei Village, Moirang Lamkhai in rural Manipur, India, Mary’s interest in boxing was inspired by the success of Manipuri male boxer Dingko Singh. It is quite heartening to know that she initially took up boxing in an effort to provide some financial support to her family. She began boxing in 2000 and was a quick learner. She won her first title and Best Boxer award at the First State Level Invitation women's boxing championship in Manipur in 2000. Subsequently she went on to win five Indian National Championships from 2000 to 2005. Her international boxing stint too is decorated with several gold medals and awards.
Acheivements:
- '10 – Gold medal - AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships
- '09 – India’s highest sports honor - Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award
- '08 – Gold medal - AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships
- '08 MTV Youth Icon
- '06 Padma Shri Award - for distinguished citizenship
- '06 – Gold medal - World Women's Boxing Championship, India
- '05 – Gold medal - Women's World Amateur Boxing Champion
- '04 Arjuna Award - for outstanding national sports achievement
- '02 – Gold medal - Women's World Amateur Boxing Championship
- '01 – Silver medal - Women's World Amateur Boxing Championship
