Passion Stories

Mary Kom hails from the remote Manipur region in India. Her passion for boxing ignited at a young age, a flame fanned by the desire to break barriers and challenge societal norms. In a region where sports, let alone boxing, was predominantly a male domain, Mary’s aspirations faced skepticism.

Mary’s early days were marked by financial struggles. Her father worked as a tenant farmer, and resources were scarce. Yet, she persisted, often training barefoot on the rugged terrains near her home. Her commitment was unwavering, and her skills caught the eye of local coaches.

Her journey was punctuated by countless hours of rigorous training, sacrifices, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. In 2001, she marked her arrival on the international stage with a silver medal at the Women’s World Amateur Boxing Championships. This was just the beginning.

She clinched gold at the AIBA World Boxing Championships a staggering six times. Her Olympic journey saw her overcoming obstacles and prejudices. In 2012, at the London Olympics, she won a bronze medal, creating history as the first Indian woman boxer to achieve this feat.

Beyond the accolades, Mary Kom’s passion extends to uplifting others. She established the Mary Kom Regional Boxing Foundation, aiming to nurture young talent in boxing, especially from underprivileged backgrounds. Her story is not just one of personal triumph but a testament to the transformative power of passion, breaking societal norms, and inspiring generations to come.