The pugilist’s heroics in the international circuit has revived women’s boxing in the country.
One of the finest boxers to come out of India of all-time, Mary Kom holds a special place in the sporting history of the country. A recipient of the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award in the Republic of India, she has made many strides over the years, leading to a considerable increase of interest in women’s boxing in the country.
She had won a bronze medal in boxing at the 2012 London Olympics. She looked to replicate her performance and finish on the podium once again during the Tokyo Olympics 2020, however, was beaten in the Round of 16 against Ingrit Valencia of Colombia. Despite the defeat, she remains one of the finest boxers India has ever produced and will stay as a source of inspiration for generations to come.
Let us take a look at some of the biggest achievements of Mary Kom in her illustrious career.
5. World Amateur Boxing Champion
Mary Kom is the only female in the world to win the World Amateur Boxing Championship for a record six times. Her first victory came in Antalya, Turkey in 2002 with the last one coming in 2018 in her homeland. She has made it a habit to bring in her best performance at this event.
The 2006 event hosted in New Delhi was even more special as India topped the medal tally beating countries like Russia and North Korea. Her gold medal played an important factor in the competition. India won a total of 8 medals that year including 4 gold 1 silver and 3 bronze medals.
Her consistency in these championships has been unparalleled. She has won a medal in each one of the first 7 World Championships. The only female boxer to do so.
4. 2018 Commonwealth Games
Mary Kom also became the first female boxer to win gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. She won her medal in the light flyweight category at Gold Coast, Queensland.
The five-time world champion beat Northern Ireland’s Kristina O’Hara 5-0 via a unanimous decision to claim the medal. She won 30-27,30-27,29-28, 30-27, 20-27 to get the victory.
3. 2014 Asian Games
Much like the Commonwealth Games, she became the 1st female boxer to win her medal in the Asian Games too. Mary Kom was the only Indian boxer to win a gold in the tournament.
She faced off against Kazakhstan’s Zhaina Shekarbekova and the match was trailing in the initial stage. But Mary Kom shifted gears in the later stages. The Indian pugilist efficiently combined her hooks with uppercuts landing it perfectly on her opponent’s torso. She dictated the pace and eventually came out victorious at Incheon.
2. World Championship Medals
Mary Kom holds the distinction of winning 8 World Championship medals. No other boxer (either male or female) in the world holds such a feat. She has won 6 gold 1 silver and 1 bronze in the competition in her illustrious career. The last one came in Russia in 2019.
The 38-year-old and a mother of three is still going strong. Currently, she is focusing on the upcoming 2020 Tokyo Olympics. And with the grit and resilience, she has shown makes her a strong contender for a medal in Japan.
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1. 2012 London Olympics
Magnificent Mary Kom fulfilled her dream of winning an Olympic medal in the London Olympics. She was the only female boxer to qualify for the event and the Indian legend did not miss out on the opportunity. Moreover, it was the introduction of women’s amateur boxing at the Olympics.
She became the 1st female Indian boxer to win an Olympic medal. The date of 8th August 2012 became a memorable day for Indian sports because of the achievement of a Manipuri native. Mary herself has described that day as “unforgettable”.
“I love the winning, I can take the losing but most of all I love to play” tweeted Mary Kom as she kissed her medal proudly.
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