Mary Kom Biography: Life Story, Career, Family, Records & Achievements
Introduction
Mangte Chungneijang Mary Kom, famously known as Mary Kom or “Magnificent Mary”, is India’s most celebrated woman boxer. A six-time World Amateur Boxing Champion and an Olympic bronze medalist, she is the only woman to win medals in seven World Championships. Mary Kom’s journey from a humble village in Manipur to becoming a global boxing icon is a story of grit, resilience, and determination.
Personal Information
Full Name & Birth Details
- Full Name: Mangte Chungneijang Mary Kom
- Date of Birth: 24 November 1982
- Birthplace: Kangathei, Manipur, India
Nationality & Zodiac Sign
- Nationality: Indian
- Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
Physical Appearance
- Height: 5 feet 2 inches (158 cm)
- Weight Category: 48 kg (Light Flyweight)
- Build: Lean & Strong
Her agility, stamina, and power have made her one of the greatest boxers in history.
Early Life & Family Background
Childhood & Parents
Mary Kom was born into a poor farming family. Her parents, Mangte Tonpa Kom and Mangte Akham Kom, worked in the fields to support their family.
Early Passion for Sports
Mary initially took interest in athletics and martial arts before discovering boxing, inspired by Dingko Singh’s gold medal at the 1998 Asian Games.
Education Journey
She attended Loktak Christian Model High School and later joined St. Xavier’s School, but left studies early to focus on boxing. Later, she pursued further education while balancing her boxing career.
Introduction to Boxing
First Steps into Boxing
Mary Kom began formal boxing training in 2000 under M. Narjit Singh at the Khuman Lampak Sports Complex in Imphal.
Struggles & Early Training
Coming from a conservative family and facing financial hardships, she often trained in secret and made great sacrifices to pursue boxing.
Rise in Professional Boxing
Mary Kom’s talent was quickly recognized at the national level. She won her first National Championship in 2000, beginning a career that would see her dominate women’s boxing globally.
National Career Highlights
- Multiple-time National Champion in women’s boxing.
- Represented Manipur and Railways in Indian championships.
International Career Highlights
World Championships
- Six-time World Champion (2002, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2018).
- The only female boxer to win medals at seven World Championships.
Olympic Journey
- Won a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics, becoming the first Indian woman boxer to achieve this feat.
- Represented India in multiple Olympics, including Tokyo 2020.
Asian Games & Commonwealth Games
- Gold medal at 2014 Asian Games (Incheon).
- Gold medal at 2018 Commonwealth Games (Gold Coast).
Records & Milestones
- First female boxer to win six World Championships.
- Only boxer (male or female) to win medals at seven World Championships.
- First Indian woman boxer to win an Olympic medal.
- Career spanning over two decades, inspiring global recognition for Indian women’s boxing.
Awards & Honors
- Padma Vibhushan (2020) – India’s second-highest civilian award.
- Padma Bhushan (2013).
- Padma Shri (2006).
- Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (2009).
- Multiple awards for her contribution to Indian sports.
Beyond Boxing
- Served as a Rajya Sabha MP (2016).
- Founded the Mary Kom Regional Boxing Foundation to train young athletes.
- Subject of the Bollywood biopic “Mary Kom” (2014), starring Priyanka Chopra.
Personal Life
Mary Kom married Onler Kom in 2005. The couple has three sons and a daughter. Despite motherhood, she made remarkable comebacks, balancing family life with her boxing career.
Legacy & Inspiration
Mary Kom is the face of Indian women’s boxing and a symbol of resilience. From breaking stereotypes to winning global glory, her story continues to inspire millions of young girls to take up sports. She is a true example of how dedication and courage can overcome all obstacles.
FAQs about Mary Kom
Q1: When was Mary Kom born?
A: 24 November 1982, in Manipur, India.
Q2: How many World Championships has Mary Kom won?
A: Six World Championships.
Q3: Did Mary Kom win an Olympic medal?
A: Yes, a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics.
Q4: What awards has Mary Kom received?
A: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, and Khel Ratna.
Q5: Is there a movie on Mary Kom’s life?
A: Yes, the film Mary Kom (2014), starring Priyanka Chopra.
Q6: Does Mary Kom run a boxing academy?
A: Yes, the Mary Kom Boxing Foundation in Manipur.
