Question

Read about the life of Indian boxer Mary Kom. Discuss in class the struggles she faced and how she overcame them to win multiple medals for the country.

Answer 1

Mary Kom was born in Kangathei, the northeastern state of Manipur. She grew up in humble surroundings in an agricultural family. She is the oldest of three siblings. Her father had been an avid wrestler. Mary has had an interest in sports since she was a child, particularly athletics and football. Dingko Singh, a fellow Manipur athlete who won a gold medal at the 1998 Asian Games, motivated her to take up boxing. She failed her matriculation exam but passed X Std. at NIOS, Imphal. When she was 15, she left home to attend the Sports Academy in Imphal.

Her first coach, K. K. Meitei, describes her as hard-working, dedicated, a quick learner with strong willpower. She has won many medals, including six World Championships, a bronze medal at the London Olympics (2012), and one gold medal each at the Asian Games (2014) and Commonwealth Games (2018). She has been awarded the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padam Vibushan.

Her life story shows how Mary overcame poverty, family opposition, and gender bias to become the undisputed Queen of Boxing. Even at 37, she is still determined to compete and win medals for India. Mary has shown resilience by returning to the physically difficult sport of boxing after the birth of each child and exceeding all expectations.