She is relatively small in size, exudes calmness and is soft-spoken. There is nothing in her appearance or bearing to suggest that she is a boxer, let alone one of the world’s best. But Mangte Chungneijang Mary Kom has always been a doer, not a talker. And you’d think that after winning four World Championships with minimum fuss and a biopic which had Priyanka Chopra playing her, she’d hit her peak. But she’s not finished yet. There’s still Rio.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, and would have certainly made Mary Kom a dull girl. A pretty good athlete in school, the girl from Manipur had no idea she would go on to change the country’s boxing scape when she first put on a pair of gloves. All she was thinking about was to help her family find financial stability. Her career ahead wasn’t unlike a movie plot, and duly a biopic has also been made on her life, much to her disbelief.
She won everything there was to win, raised twins, and kept on boxing as if there was nothing else on her mind. In fact, the only reason she has but a single Olympic medal to her credit is because women’s boxing as a sport was only introduced in the 2012 Olympics.
In a conversation with her, the pugilist pulls no punches. Clearly, she talks like she boxes. Excerpts:
So, you are gearing up for the Rio Olympics. What do you think is your biggest strength this time?
I’m trying my best to first qualify for the Olympics. That’s step one and I’m currently preparing for that.
You have been part of the Indian boxing team for over a decade. What are the changes that you have seen in boxing in terms of training facilities and talent?
Right now I can’t say anything. There is no one family, no federation, so changes are very difficult, even then, somehow the committee and the ministry are doing their best in every competition they are hosting and are sending our boxers to other international competitions.
India is a country with over half a billion women. Why do think India is not producing more people like you?
(Laughs)…I have kept my patience and sacrificed a lot, it might be very difficult for other girls to take it up as a profession. Let’s see, I’m praying and hopefully after 1-2 years, we might see more women. I’m running my own academy too so I’m doing my best to bring more Mary Koms in the country to the fore.
You have always considered yourself lucky to have a supportive husband. What do you want to say to the families who do not support women in sports?
Right! Yes, I am very lucky and I hope other women too have such a husband. Very few people get this kind of support from a family. I’m saying that if other men too support their wives or sisters, that will be of great service to the entire nation.
You practiced with men in some of your sessions. Did you manage to knock someone out?
A knockout is a very hard, difficult task in amateur boxing. In professional boxing, it is easier because there are many rounds, 6-7 and the opponent is more tired. Sometimes if one of the boxers is stronger than it’s easier for one boxer to knock the other out. In amateur (boxing), we have only four rounds, and have to box with the proper guard. Timing is important, sometimes a well-timed punch will lead to a knockout. But no, a knockout is not easy (laughs).
You’re a mother of three who’s a boxing legend and youngsters look up to you. Is there a fitness mantra?
It’s my mentality and my will. If these two are strong then nobody can stop you. That’s why I’m still fit and I can say I’m stronger than even the young boxers. I push my limits to train myself harder and harder everyday.
How important is Education for a sportsperson?
It is very important because in India English or Hindi is widely spoken, and only our mother tongue is not sufficient. Without knowing the language, we are shy, timid. If we are very good in sports, then it isn’t necessary to know a language as a translator will be there, but if not then it’s a problem. I have experienced this in other countries like in China, some are not good in speaking English, so at interviews they speak their own language. But they are top sportspersons, so it’s not necessary for them to know English.
Have you ever been in a fight outside the ring?
When I was a little girl, I used to fight with guys in the village every day. We used to play together and fight over everything.
On account of being a woman did you face any bias?
No, not in my case.
Do you want your children to become boxers?
I don’t particularly want them to, but if they have a passion or interest in it, then I will support them.
You are working with young boxers inyour hometown, at your school, so how is the experience?
I’m enjoying it a lot! People see me as a role model, so I don’t want to sit quietly and want to contribute something to the nation.
What was your reaction when you found out a movie was going to be made on your life?
When Omung Kumar, the director, came to Manipur and told me this, I was really surprised and thought ‘is this guy mad or what,’ but I didn’t say it. I never dreamt of it. I was thinking how can you make a biopic on me? Only a few people knew me before that, not the entire nation. Other sports like cricket, tennis are very popular, but not boxing. So I was wondering how he will make this movie. Only when he spoke to my husband and my management firm did I really believe it, and I was really happy. I told myself that after the movie comes out, people will definitely recognise me!
Has life changed after the movie?
Yes, and at the same time I won the Olympic medal, so more people began to recognise me. The entire nation now knows my story. Good timing, I guess (laughs). For this (recognition), I want to do something for the nation, and if I can, I will bring out more champions.
Can you name one experience in your school which changed your life?
I wanted to study, I wanted to play all the sports, and I used to play every game. I hadn’t dreamt of being a champion. When I was growing up, we had a lot of financial problems. My family wasn’t able to afford school and tuition fees. So I thought if I’m very good at a sport it would be easier to get a job, and that is the story of how I took up boxing.
What is the craziest thing you have done?
There are many unexpected things I have done. I would climb trees and pluck the fruits. That’s pretty crazy for someone like me.
some whack Facts that you may not have heard before