Introduction:

In India, the number of women pursuing careers in sports is considerably less, when compared to men. Regardless of the men challenges faced, some women have achieved great success in the field of sports.

Mary Kom:

Mary Kom has become a role model of millions of Indian women with her grit (strong mind) and determination in achieving her goal.

Trip to the USA:

Mary Kom was selected in the 48 kg category by the International Boxing Association to participate in Pennsylvania, USA. Though she was selected she was much worried about the expenses. Mary Kom’s father managed to collect only Rs 2000 for her trip. Two MPs donated Rs 5000 and Rs 3000 respectively and she had Rs 10000 in her hands. With this princely (very large) sum, and a little more she had collected from other people, she left for USA.

Not to return empty handed:

Pennsylvania was cold and beautiful. It was snowing. Everything was pleasing to the eye. The people were enormously nice too. Her team went straight to the sports arena from the airport. She was tired and suffering from jet lag (tired of long flight journey).  She had enough rest and there was no match on that day. Due to her loss of appetite (hunger) she couldn’t eat well, she was only 46 kg just before the finals. She couldn’t fulfill her dream of winning gold medal. But she managed to win silver medal, the first International medal. She went to her room and cried. As her coaches were kind, they consoled her and lauded (appreciated) her on the silver win.

Warm Welcome:

On her return, Delhi gave her a warm welcome at the airport. Back in Imphal, She was greeted with garlands, drum beats and dancing. Thanksgiving prayers were said and words of praise and adulation (appreciation) were showered on her.

Relief from financial worries:

The silver medal in Pennsylvania and the prize money from the government had put an end to her immediate financial worries. At the time of her marriage, she had no savings except a couple of life Insurance policies. Manipur Government offered her the Sub-Inspector post after her second world Championship gold. Thus her long term dream of getting a government job got fulfilled. It had put an end to her financial crisis.

Conclusion:

Mary Kom won a number of international Championships; she considered her victory at the fourth world championship in New Delhi as one of her great achievements. It is because she was able to win at her home land. With this hat-trick of world Championship wins, the media christened her “Queen of Boxing and “Magnificent Mary”.

“I hated every minute of training but I said, don’t quit (go away from). Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion” -By Muhammad Ali – An American professional pugilist (Boxer)