On landing at Pennsylvania, Mary Kom didn’t have time to stand and stare. The weather was ’ chill but the people were enormously warm in the American soil. She kept telling herself that she could beat anyone in the ring. Her fear of facing opponents vanished. As her team-mates had to take in opponents soon after reaching USA, they started losing in a succession. But her first win against Nadia Hokmi of Poland (RSC) and at the semi-finals against Jamie Behai of Canada by 21-9 gave her a feeling that the championship contest in Pennsylvania would be a turning point in her life. She lost her gold but she was lauded for her silver medal by the kind coaches. The match gave her an invaluable conviction that she could take on any boxer in the world. On return, Delhi gave her a warm welcome.
Back in Imphal, there was a victory procession. At Langol, there was a felicitation programme. People were liberal with their praise. She was presented with the traditional shawl. Her hero, Oja Ibomcha was also present. She spoke at Langol of her hope of winning gold for India. From 2001 – 2004 she won many International and National titles. She was recognized by the Government of Manipur which gave her a Sub-Inspector job. This addressed all her financial worries and she could focus on her dream alone. She is the only woman boxer to have won a medal in earth one-of six World Championship. She was honoured with Padma Shri in 2010 and Padma Bhushan in 2013 for her achievements in Sports. She lived up to her-self fulfilling prophecy in Sports Career.
“If you are persistent, you will get it. If you are consistent, you will keep it. ”