Mary Kom began boxing in 2000 in Manipur, India. Her interest in the sport was sparked by Dingko Singh's gold medal win at the 1998 Asian Games in Bangkok. She noted that Dingko's success inspired many girls in Manipur to take up boxing.

International Debut

Mary Kom made her international debut in 2001 at the World Championships in Scranton, PA, USA. Competing for India, she faced Hulya Sahin from Turkey. This marked the beginning of her illustrious career on the global stage.

Achievements and Milestones

Mary Kom has a long list of achievements. In 2018, she became the first female boxer to win six gold medals at the World Championships. She also won a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics, becoming the first Indian woman to achieve this feat in boxing.

Her victory at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon made her the first Indian female boxer to win gold at the event. These accomplishments have cemented her legacy as one of India's greatest athletes.

Awards and Honours

Mary Kom has received numerous awards throughout her career. In 2020, she was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award. She was named Best Boxer at the 2018 World Championships and received the inaugural AIBA Legends Award in 2016.

Other accolades include the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award in 2009 and the Padma Shri Award in 2006. She was also named Sportswoman of the Year multiple times at the Sahara India Sports Awards.

Challenges and Injuries

Mary Kom has faced several challenges during her career. In November 2020, she contracted dengue fever, which took two months for her to recover from. A shoulder injury in June 2018 forced her to withdraw from national trials ahead of the Asian Games.

In September 2013, she underwent surgery to remove gallbladder stones. Despite these setbacks, her resilience and determination have kept her at the top of her game.

Philosophy and Influences

Mary Kom's sporting philosophy is simple: "To be successful, one must have a strong heart." Her family has been a significant influence on her career. She also idolises Indian boxer Dingko Singh.

Transition and Adaptation

In 2019, Mary Kom switched from light flyweight to flyweight due to changes in the Olympic boxing programme. She had previously won gold at the 2014 Asian Games and bronze at the 2019 World Championships in this weight category.

Early Challenges

Initially, Mary Kom's parents were against her taking up boxing due to safety concerns. However, she managed to convince them by explaining the rules and regulations of the sport. Her passion for boxing since childhood helped her overcome these early obstacles.

Cultural Impact

A biographical film titled 'Mary Kom' was released in September 2014, starring Priyanka Chopra. Additionally, a biography titled 'Unbreakable' was published in December 2013. These works highlight her journey and achievements.

Political Career

Mary Kom has also served as a member of the Rajya Sabha, India's upper house of parliament. Her role extends beyond sports as she continues to contribute to society through various platforms.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, Mary Kom aims to continue making an impact both inside and outside the ring. Her dedication to boxing remains strong as she trains younger athletes at the Mary Kom Boxing Academy in Imphal.

With a career spanning over two decades, Mary Kom's story is one of perseverance and excellence. Her contributions to Indian sports will be remembered for years to come.