Mary Kom (born 24 November 1982) is an Indian boxer and one of the greatest women boxers in history. From a poor farming family in Manipur, she became a record six-time world amateur champion and won India’s first Olympic medal in women’s boxing, a bronze at London 2012. She is known as “Magnificent Mary” and was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2020.
Quick Facts
| Full name | Mangte Chungneijang Mary Kom |
| Born | 24 November 1982, Kangathei, Churachandpur, Manipur, India |
| Age | 43 |
| Sport | Boxing |
| World titles | 6 (2002, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2018) |
| Olympic medal | Bronze, London 2012 |
| Children | Three sons and an adopted daughter |
| Honours | Padma Shri (2006), Khel Ratna (2009), Padma Bhushan (2013), Padma Vibhushan (2020) |
Early Life
Mary Kom was born in a village in Manipur’s Churachandpur district, the eldest child of poor tenant farmers. She helped her parents in the fields while at school. Inspired by the success of Manipuri boxer Dingko Singh at the 1998 Asian Games, she took up boxing, at first hiding it from her father.
Career
Mary Kom won her first world title in 2002 and added further golds in 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2010. She took a break after the birth of twin sons in 2007 and returned to win again.
When women’s boxing entered the Olympics in 2012, Mary Kom moved up to the 51 kg flyweight division and won bronze in London. She was the only Indian woman boxer to qualify.
Mary Kom won Asian Games gold in 2014 and Commonwealth Games gold in 2018. In 2018, at 35, she won a record sixth world title in New Delhi. She was a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha from 2016 to 2022.
Personal Life
Mary Kom married K. Onler Kom in 2005, and they have three sons and an adopted daughter. The couple have since separated. Her life was the subject of the 2014 film Mary Kom, starring Priyanka Chopra, and her autobiography is titled Unbreakable.
Major Achievements
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Mary Kom born?
Mary Kom was born on 24 November 1982 in Kangathei, Churachandpur, Manipur, India.
What honours has Mary Kom received?
Padma Shri (2006), Khel Ratna (2009), Padma Bhushan (2013), Padma Vibhushan (2020).
