Mary Kom

Mary Kom, also known as Mangte Chungneijang Mary Kom, is a renowned Indian boxer and one of the most accomplished female boxers in the world. She was born on March 1, 1982, in Kangathei, a small village in Manipur, India. Mary Kom hails from a humble background, and her journey to become a boxing legend is an inspiring story of determination and resilience. 

 Mary Kom's interest in sports began at a young age, and she initially tried her hand at athletics. However, destiny had other plans for her when she was introduced to boxing during a local sports festival. Recognizing her potential, her family supported her decision to pursue boxing, even though the sport was not widely accepted for girls in her community. 

 In the early stages of her career, Mary faced numerous challenges, including financial constraints and societal prejudices against female boxers. Undeterred, she persevered, training rigorously and participating in various competitions to prove her mettle. Her dedication soon paid off, and she began making a mark in national and international boxing circuits. 

 Mary Kom's breakthrough came in 2001 when she won a silver medal at the World Amateur Boxing Championships. This marked the beginning of her illustrious career, and she went on to achieve several historic milestones. Mary is a six-time World Amateur Boxing champion, having won gold medals in 2002, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010, and 2018. She also secured a bronze medal in the 2012 London Olympics, making her the first Indian woman boxer to win an Olympic medal. 

 Apart from her achievements in the ring, Mary Kom is known for her contributions to the growth and recognition of women's boxing in India. Her success has inspired countless young athletes, especially girls, to take up boxing as a serious sport. 

 Mary Kom's story has been the subject of books and a Bollywood film titled "Mary Kom," which further brought her achievements into the limelight. She has received numerous awards for her outstanding contributions to sports, including the Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, and the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna. 

 As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, Mary Kom continues to be an active and influential figure in the world of boxing. Her legacy extends beyond the sport, serving as a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes and a symbol of empowerment for women in India and around the world.