Mangte Chungneijang Mary Kom Story, Height, Age, Children, Hobbies & More
Mangte Chungneijang Mary Kom, a name that appears in the records of Indian sports history, stands as a symbol of strong determination and boundless achievement. Hailing from the beautiful state of Manipur, Mary Kom has transformed a popular male sport for all girls to become a national icon and an international inspiration. Her journey from the modest landscapes of rural India to the global boxing arena is a narrative of passion, patience, hard work, and extreme focus. Fondly known as “Magnificent Mary,” she has not only conquered the world of boxing but also shattered gender stereotypes and made the way for countless aspiring athletes. With an illustrious career that boasts multiple world championships and an Olympic medal, Mary Kom’s story is a testament to the power of dreams, perseverance, and immovable will.
Table of Contents:
- Mary Kom’s Bio or General Info.
- Mary Kom’s Physical Stats
- Mary Kom’s Boxing Life/Career
- Mary Kom’s Personal Life
- Mary Kom’s Awards and Achievement
- Mary Kom’s Records Timeline
- Mary Kom vs Nikhat Zareen Controversy
- Mary Kom in Popular Culture
- Mary Kom’s Political Career
- Mary Kom’s Social Media
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Mary Kom’s General Info.
| Full Name | Mangte Chungneijang Mary Kom |
| Nick Name | Magnificent Mary |
| Date of Birth | 24 November 1982 |
| Birth Place | Kagathei, Churachandpur district, Manipur |
| Profession | Olympic-Style Boxer and Politician |
| Nationality | Indian |
Mary Kom’s Physical Stats
| Mary Kom’s Height | Feet- 5 feet 2 inches Meters- 1.58m Centi Meters- 158cm |
| Mary Kom’s Weight | Kilograms- 48kg Pounds- 106lb |
Mary Kom’s Boxing Life/Career
| Boxing Style | Amateur Boxing (Olympic-Style) |
Early Career Achievements:
Mary Kom, the renowned Indian boxer, has had an illustrious career marked by numerous achievements and victories. In 2008, she secured a Silver Medal at the Asian Women’s Boxing Championship in India, followed by another Gold Medal at the 2008 AIBA Women’s World Boxing Crowns in China. Her winning streak continued with a Gold Medal at the 2009 Asian Inner Games in Vietnam.
Over the years, she clinched Gold Medals at various championships, including the 2010 Asian Women’s Boxing Championship in Kazakhstan and the 2010 AIBA Women’s World Boxing Crowns in Barbados. She contended in Barbados in the 48 kg weight categorization, after AIBA had stopped using the 46 kg class.
Transition to the 51 kg Weight Category:
Kom, who had preliminarily fought in the 46 and 48 kg orders, shifted to the 51 kg order after the World Bodys decided to allow women’s boxing in only three weight classes barring the lower weight classes.
In the 2010 Asian Games, she contended in the 51 kg class and won a Bronze Medal. In 2011, she won Gold Medal in the 48 kg class at the Asian Women’s Cup in China. On 3 October 2010 she, along with Sanjay and Harshit Jain, had the honour of bearing the Queen’s Baton in the opening form run in the Colosseum for the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi. She didn’t contend, still, as women’s boxing wasn’t included in the Commonwealth Games.
Remarkable Journey to the 2012 London Olympics:
Despite facing challenges and setbacks, Mary Kom’s determination remained unshaken. Her remarkable journey led her to participate in the 2012 London Olympics, where she displayed exceptional skill and resilience, earning an Olympic Bronze Medal. She continued to shine in the boxing world, winning Gold Medals at the 2014 Asian Games in South Korea and the 2017 Asian Boxing Confederation in Vietnam. Her outstanding performance also secured the 6th World Crowns title at the 10th AIBA Women’s World Boxing Crowns in New Delhi in 2018.
Unwavering Passion for Boxing:
Recognized for her contributions to the sport, Mary Kom was appointed to represent the boxing athlete ministers group for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Her achievements inspire many aspiring athletes worldwide, showcasing the power of determination and perseverance in the face of adversity. Despite the challenges, Mary Kom’s passion for boxing remains unwavering, demonstrating her enduring spirit and resilience in the ring.
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Mary Kom’s Personal Life
Mary Kom is married to Karung Onkholer, a notable footballer, whom she first met in 2000 under unexpected circumstances. The encounter occurred when her luggage was stolen during a train journey to Bangalore. It was in New Delhi, while en route to the National Games in Punjab, that she crossed paths with Onkholer, who was then studying law at Delhi University. Serving as the president of the North East student body, Onkholer extended a helping hand to Kom, and their friendship gradually blossomed into a romantic relationship. Following four years of courtship, the couple tied the knot in 2005.
The couple has been blessed with three sons, with twins born in 2007 and another son born in 2013. Their family grew in 2018 when they lovingly adopted a girl named Merilyn. This beautiful family dynamic reflects Kom’s dedication not only to her sports career but also to her role as a loving wife and mother.
Mary Kom’s Awards And Achievements:
International and National
| National Awards | Year |
|---|---|
| Padma Vibhushan (Sports) | 2020 |
| Padma Bhushan (Sports) | 2013 |
| Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award | 2009 |
| Padma Shri (Sports) | 2006 |
| Arjuna Award (Boxing) | 2003 |
| Award/Recognition | Year |
|---|---|
| AIBA Legends Award | 2016 |
| Brand Ambassador for 2016 AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships | 2016 |
| People of the Year- Limca Book of Records | 2007 |
| CNN-IBN & Reliance Industries’ Real Heroes Award | 2008 |
| Pepsi MTV Youth Icon | 2008 |
| ‘Magnificent Mary’, AIBA | 2008 |
| Brand Ambassador for the 2016 AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships | 2009 |
| Sportswoman of the Year, Sahara Sports Award | 2010 |
| Olympians for Life by WOA | 2019 |
| Honorary Doctorate degree (D.Litt) from North-Eastern Hill University | 29 March 2016 |
| Honorary Doctorate degree (DPhil) from Kaziranga University | 14 January 2019 |
Mary Kom’s Records Timeline:
| Year | Place | Medal | Weight | Competition | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 2nd | Silver | 48 | AIBA Women’s World Championships | Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA |
| 2002 | 1st | Gold | 45 | AIBA Women’s World Championships | Antalya, Turkey |
| 2002 | 1st | Gold | 45 | Witch Cup | Pécs, Hungary |
| 2003 | 1st | Gold | 46 | Asian Women’s Championships | Hisar, India |
| 2004 | 1st | Gold | 41 | Women’s World Cup | Tønsberg, Norway |
| 2005 | 1st | Gold | 46 | Asian Women’s Championships | Kaohsiung, Taiwan |
| 2005 | 1st | Gold | 46 | AIBA Women’s World Championships | Podolsk, Russia |
| 2006 | 1st | Gold | 46 | AIBA Women’s World Championships | New Delhi, India |
| 2006 | 1st | Gold | 46 | Venus Women’s Box Cup | Vejle, Denmark |
| 2008 | 1st | Gold | 46 | AIBA Women’s World Championships | Ningbo, China |
| 2008 | 2nd | Silver | 46 | Asian Women’s Championships | Guwahati, India |
| 2009 | 1st | Gold | 46 | Asian Indoor Games | Hanoi, Vietnam |
| 2010 | 1st | Gold | 48 | AIBA Women’s World Championships | Bridgetown, Barbados |
| 2010 | 1st | Gold | 46 | Asian Women’s Championships | Astana, Kazakhstan |
| 2010 | 3rd | Bronze | 51 | Asian Games | Guangzhou, China |
| 2011 | 1st | Gold | 48 | Asian Women’s Cup | Haikou, China |
| 2012 | 1st | Gold | 41 | Asian Women’s Championships | Ulan Bator, Mongolia |
| 2012 | 3rd | Bronze | 51 | Summer Olympics | London, United Kingdom |
| 2014 | 1st | Gold | 51 | Asian Games | Incheon, South Korea |
| 2017 | 1st | Gold | 48 | Asian Women’s Championships | Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam |
| 2018 | 1st | Gold | 45–48 | Commonwealth Games | Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia |
| 2018 | 1st | Gold | 45–48 | AIBA Women’s World Championships | New Delhi, India |
| 2019 | 3rd | Bronze | 51 | 2019 AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships | Ulan-Ude, Russia |
Mary Kom vs Nikhat Zareen Controversy:
In recent Indian boxing history, the Mary Kom vs Nikhat Zareen bout has stood out as one of the most talked-about clashes. The first face-off between the two occurred during the final of the 2019 India Open, where Mary Kom secured victory, showcasing her seasoned expertise. The subsequent showdown took place at the national boxing trials to determine India’s representative at the Asian Olympic Qualifiers. The intense contest arose following Zareen’s appeal to the sports minister, challenging the Boxing Federation of India’s decision to select Mary Kom without a trial. Despite a contentious build-up, the match was largely one-sided, with Mary Kom emerging victorious, earning the right to represent India at the Olympic boxing qualifiers.
The dispute brought attention to selection transparency issues and the hurdles faced by emerging talents in the sporting arena. Following the event, Zareen, displaying a resilient attitude, focused on enhancing her skills, and determined to make a strong comeback. While the rivalry between Mary Kom and Zareen initially appeared intense, it ultimately concluded on a positive and respectful note. As Mary Kom’s career progresses, Zareen, backed by recent successes, is poised to carry forward the legacy of Indian women’s boxing, marking a transition in the sport’s narrative.
Mary Kom in Popular Culture:
Mary Kom’s autobiography, titled Unbreakable, was published by HarperCollins in late 2013, and co-authored by Dina Serto. Notably, an excerpt from her biography has been included as a prose lesson in the Samacheer Kalvi English textbook for 11th standard, underscoring her inspirational journey for students.
Furthermore, her life story gained further prominence through the 2014 Hindi biographical film, Mary Kom, where renowned actress Priyanka Chopra portrayed her character. Directed by Omung Kumar, the movie provided a cinematic portrayal of Kom’s life, highlighting her struggles and triumphs.
Her influence extends to children’s literature as well, with her story being featured in The Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls, a book aimed at introducing young readers to diverse female role models. Additionally, Kom is a prominent figure in the 2016 documentary, With This Ring, which chronicles the experiences of India’s women’s boxing team between 2006 and 2012, showcasing her impact on the sport and her role as a trailblazer for aspiring athletes.
Mary Kom’s Political Career:
Mary Kom’s illustrious career extended beyond the realm of boxing as she ventured into the realm of Indian politics. Nominated as a member of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian parliament, by the President of India on 25 April 2016, she embraced her role as a political figure with fervor. In her early days as a parliamentarian, her attendance initially stood at a modest 7 percent during the second part of the budget session in 2016. However, she quickly demonstrated her dedication, progressively elevating her attendance to 70 percent in the monsoon session and an impressive 76 percent in the subsequent winter session.
In the following year, her attendance remained consistently high during the initial two sessions, registering 69 and 68 percent, respectively. Despite a slight dip to 23 percent during the winter session and 26 percent in the budget session of 2018, her commitment to the role never wavered. Notably, her reduced attendance during these sessions coincided with her rigorous training for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, underscoring her enduring commitment to both sports and politics.
While her attendance in the monsoon session remained strong at 75 percent, her active participation in parliamentary debates reflected her genuine interest in contributing to meaningful discussions. Mary Kom engaged in four debates under the head ‘matters raised with permission’ and additionally served as a member of the standing committee on food, consumer affairs, and public distribution. As she continues to balance her responsibilities as a parliamentarian and an athlete, her journey serves as an inspiration, highlighting her dedication to both her sporting endeavors and her duties as a representative of the people.
Mary Kom as Activist:
Mary Kom, renowned for her achievements in the boxing arena, extends her influence beyond sports as an impassioned animal rights activist. Partnering with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, she has actively campaigned for the fair treatment of animals, particularly those subjected to harsh conditions in circuses. Advocating for the end of the exploitation of elephants in circuses, Kom emphasized the cruelty inflicted upon these animals, highlighting the trauma experienced when they are forcibly separated from their offspring. Expressing her sentiments as a mother, she voiced her concern for the plight of these mistreated animals, aiming to raise awareness and promote compassion toward them.
In her efforts to promote humane education, she has backed PETA India’s Compassionate Citizen campaign, emphasizing the importance of instilling values of kindness and respect in the younger generation. Writing a letter to the education ministers of various states and union territories across India, she advocated for the integration of the program into official school curriculums. Stressing the significance of nurturing compassion in the classroom, she emphasized the vital role of education in fostering empathy and understanding, particularly in a world where instances of violence appear pervasive. Through her advocacy work, Kom continues to champion the cause of animal welfare, striving to create a more compassionate and empathetic society.
Mary Kom’s Social Media:
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