Mary Kom, the Indian boxing legend, has had an illustrious career spanning over two decades. With numerous victories under her belt, it’s difficult to narrow down her top matches to just five. However, in this article, we will take a closer look at some of her most memorable and significant matches that have had a profound impact on her career and the sport of boxing in India.
Personal Details
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Chungneijang Mary Kom Hmangte |
| Nickname | Magnificent Mary, MC |
| Date of birth | March 1, 1983 |
| Place of birth | Kangathei, Manipur, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Boxer |
| Height | 5 ft 2 in (1.57 m) |
| Weight | 48 kg (106 lbs) |
| Spouse | Karung Onkholer Kom |
| Children | 3 (twin boys and a daughter) |
| Boxing weight classes | Flyweight, Featherweight, and Light Flyweight |
| Olympic medals | 1 Bronze (2012), 1 Bronze (2020) |
| World Championships medals | 8 Gold, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze |
| Other notable achievements | Padma Bhushan Award (2013), Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award (2009), Arjuna Award (2003), and Padma Shri Award (2006) |
International Records
| Year | Event | Medal/Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Women’s World Amateur Boxing Champ. | Silver |
| 2002 | Women’s World Amateur Boxing Champ. | Gold |
| 2003 | Women’s World Amateur Boxing Champ. | Gold |
| 2004 | Women’s World Cup of Boxing | Gold |
| 2005 | Women’s World Amateur Boxing Champ. | Gold |
| 2006 | Women’s World Amateur Boxing Champ. | Gold |
| 2008 | Women’s World Amateur Boxing Champ. | Gold |
| 2010 | Women’s World Amateur Boxing Champ. | Gold |
| 2012 | Summer Olympics, London | Bronze |
| 2014 | Women’s World Amateur Boxing Champ. | Gold |
| 2018 | Women’s World Amateur Boxing Champ. | Gold |
| 2019 | India Open Boxing Tournament | Gold |
| 2019 | President’s Cup in Indonesia | Gold |
| 2019 | Women’s World Amateur Boxing Champ. | Bronze |
| 2021 | Summer Olympics, Tokyo | Bronze |
Mary Kom vs Chungneijang Mery Kom Hmangte (2003 National Games, Hyderabad)
In 2003, Mary Kom participated in the National Games held in Hyderabad. In the finals, she faced her namesake and rival, Chungneijang Mery Kom Hmangte, in a nail-biting match. The bout was closely contested, with both boxers showing immense skill and determination. Mary Kom emerged victorious in the end, winning the gold medal in the 46 kg category. This match marked the beginning of Mary Kom’s reign as the queen of Indian boxing and showcased her talent to the world.
Mary Kom vs Steluta Duta (2008 Women’s World Boxing Championships, Ningbo)
In 2008, Mary Kom participated in the Women’s World Boxing Championships held in Ningbo, China. In the quarterfinals, she faced Steluta Duta from Romania in the 46 kg category. The match was an intense one, with both boxers exchanging blows throughout the three rounds. However, Mary Kom’s superior footwork and speed gave her an edge over her opponent. She emerged victorious, winning the match 8-2 and securing a place in the semi-finals. This victory paved the way for her to become the first Indian woman to win a medal at the World Championships.
Mary Kom vs Maroua Rahali (2010 Asian Games, Guangzhou)
In 2010, Mary Kom participated in the Asian Games held in Guangzhou, China. In the finals, she faced Maroua Rahali from Tunisia in the 51 kg category. The match was an intense one, with both boxers giving their all. However, Mary Kom’s superior technique and strategy gave her an edge over her opponent. She emerged victorious, winning the gold medal and becoming the first Indian woman boxer to win a gold medal at the Asian Games.
Mary Kom vs Nicola Adams (2012 London Olympics)
In 2012, Mary Kom participated in the London Olympics, representing India in the 51 kg category. In the semi-finals, she faced Nicola Adams from Great Britain, who was the reigning world champion. The match was highly anticipated, with both boxers considered to be among the best in the world. However, Mary Kom showed her class and experience, outsmarting her opponent with her footwork and combinations. She emerged victorious, winning the match 11-6 and securing a place in the finals. This victory paved the way for her to become the first Indian woman boxer to win an Olympic medal.
Mary Kom vs Hanna Okhota (2018 Women’s World Boxing Championships, New Delhi)
In 2018, Mary Kom participated in the Women’s World Boxing Championships held in New Delhi, India. In the finals, she faced Hanna Okhota from Ukraine in the 48 kg category. The match was a closely contested one, with both boxers giving their all. However, Mary Kom’s experience and technique gave her an edge over her opponent. She emerged victorious, winning the match 5-0 and securing her sixth gold medal at the World Championships. This victory also made her the most successful boxer (male or female) in the history of the World Championships.
Each of Mary Kom’s top 5 matches is memorable for Indians for different reasons. Here are some of the reasons why these matches are significant for Indian boxing:
- Mary Kom vs Chungneijang Mery Kom Hmangte (2003 National Games, Hyderabad): This match was significant as it marked the beginning of Mary Kom’s reign as the queen of Indian boxing. It showcased her talent to the world and inspired a generation of young boxers in India.
- Mary Kom vs Steluta Duta (2008 Women’s World Boxing Championships, Ningbo): This match was significant as it made Mary Kom the first Indian woman to win a medal at the World Championships. It also brought much-needed attention to women’s boxing in India.
- Mary Kom vs Maroua Rahali (2010 Asian Games, Guangzhou): This match was significant as it made Mary Kom the first Indian woman boxer to win a gold medal at the Asian Games. It inspired a generation of young boxers in India and put Indian boxing on the world map.
- Mary Kom vs Nicola Adams (2012 London Olympics): This match was significant as it made Mary Kom the first Indian woman boxer to win an Olympic medal. It inspired a generation of young boxers in India and brought much-needed attention to the sport in the country.
- Mary Kom vs Hanna Okhota (2018 Women’s World Boxing Championships, New Delhi): This match was significant as it made Mary Kom the most successful boxer (male or female) in the history of the World Championships. It also brought much-needed attention to women’s boxing in India and inspired a generation of young boxers in the country.
Final Note:
Mary Kom’s top 5 matches showcase her talent, determination, and skill as a boxer. From her early struggles to her remarkable victories at the highest level of the sport, Mary Kom’s career has been nothing short of remarkable. Her triumphs have inspired a generation of young boxers in India and around the world, and she has become an icon in the sport of boxing.
