Mary Kom was selected in the 48 kg category for the International Boxing Association, World Women’s Boxing championships in Pennsylvania, USA, in November-December 2001.
Mary Kom wanted to become a world boxing champion but her dad could manage only Rs 2000 for her expenses in USA. Mary Kom was deeply disturbed as she had heard that things were very expensive in America. She realized that her parents can’t do much about her predicament. So, she talked to her friend Only. A few well wishers met two Members of Parliament and they gave her Rs 8000. With the princely sum of Rs 10000 in her hands, she went to USA. She made up her mind to bring laurels back home.
Unlike fellow players, who had to rush to sporting arena straight from the airport, she could take rest. Her match was scheduled the following day. She won in the first round comfortably. This eliminated her fear of facing opponents quickly. She went on to reach the finals while her friends lost. She even harboured the idea of bagging gold.
Mary Kom had an intuition that the event in Pennsylvania would change the rest of her life. In the quarter final, she defeated Nadia Hokmi of Poland by RSC. In the semi-final, she defeated Jamie Behai of Canada by 21-9. She reached the finals but lost to Hula Sahin ofo Turkey by 13-5.
Mary Kom wasn’t accustomed to the kind of food available in USA. As she skipped food, she began losing her weight. Just before the finals, she weighed only 46kg. This cost her the dream of winning Gold. She cried her heart out. But her kind coaches consoled her and cheered her up. The silver medal gave her the confidence that she could take on any boxer in the ring.
The career of boxing took Mary Kom to different countries of the world. Incidentally, she learnt about the different cultures and lifestyles of people. In China, they were given chopsticks to eat their meal. Just then she was trying to master the art of handling a knife and fork. Others asked for spoons whereas Mary Kom managed to satisfy her hunger using chopsticks.
Medal-hungry India, gave her a warm welcome at the airport. Back at Imphal, she was greeted with garlands and victory ride across the tours. The whole community shared its joy. She was felicitated at Langol. She was presented with a traditional shawl. Her boxing model Oja Ibomcha was also felicitated. Mary Kom shared her hope of gold in future boxing tournaments.
The first international silver medal meant a lot to Mary Kom though she was not content with it. She vowed to bring gold in future for India. The prize money from the Government helped her overcome financial worries. In order to ensure long-term security and a steady income she needed a Government job. Her dream of getting a Government job under sports quota was fulfilled when she got her Second World championship gold. The Manipur Government offered her the post of a Sub Inspector. She earned a salary of Rs 15000 per month. Sports quota job allows persons to invest time in practice and apply for leave while going for tournament
Mary Kom’s medal haul continued breaking the speculation about her ability to win after her marriage. She retained the world title in the Third World Women’s Championship at Podolsk in Russia. Her winning streak continued in Fourth World Women’s Championship in 2006.
Retaining her world title for the fourth time in 2006 by defeating Steluta Duta of Romania 22-7 at New Delhi was one of her greatest achievements in life. Winning at home turned out to be the most memorable thing for her.
Mary Kom inspired fellow boxers to excel. In 2006, India hauled four golds, one silver and three bronzes. Her team went on to win the overall title. With this hat-trick of World Championship wins, the media christened her “Queen of boxing” and “Magnificent Mary”.
Mary Kom became the “Queen of Boxing” breaking free from poverty with her perseverance. She exploded the myth about women’s participation in boxing. She is a living legend to all women who wish to reach stardom in sports.
