In a dramatic display of athletic prowess and determination, M C Mary Kom faced an intense challenge upon her arrival in Poland for a boxing tournament. The jet-lagged five-time world champion and Olympic bronze-medallist had just a few hours to shed 2 kilograms to meet the weight limit for her 48kg category.
“We landed in Poland at around 3-3:30 in the morning, and the general weigh-in was at around 7:30am,” Mary Kom recounted in an interview following her return to India. “I was a couple of kilograms above 48kg at that point, so I had roughly four hours to shed that or I would have been disqualified. I did skipping for an hour at a stretch and just like that, I was ready.”
Triumphant Performance
Mary Kom’s remarkable endurance and adaptability were on full display as she clinched her third gold of the year at the Polish tournament, further cementing her legacy in the boxing world. Her victory underscored not only her exceptional skill but also the current lack of depth in Indian women’s boxing.
Relentless Pursuit of Excellence
Reflecting on her nearly two decades of success, the 35-year-old boxing icon remained relentlessly focused on improving her performance. “I am never satisfied with how I perform; I am always looking to work out new strategies. I am obsessive but not overtly aggressive. I like to conserve in a bout. I always like to study my opponents and then dismantle them bit by bit,” she explained.
Supportive Partner
Mary Kom credited much of her ability to balance intense training with family life to her supportive husband, Onler. “Onler is my rock. It is because of him that I can be this obsessive about my sport and it is because of him that I manage to never cross the unhealthy line when it comes to obsession,” she said, with Onler nodding thoughtfully by her side.
Finding Joy in the Everyday
While she enjoyed some downtime at her official residence in Delhi, the Rajya Sabha MP relished simple pleasures, from watching her children play to sharing light moments with Onler. “She is hyperactive, always looking for something to do. She cannot sit idle even after coming from a long journey,” Onler observed. “She gets her happiness in all this, that’s how she unwinds.”
Unstoppable Spirit
As she neared her 36th birthday, Mary Kom showed no signs of slowing down. “No, the world championships in November is not my last. I am not going anywhere till the 2020 Olympics, provided my body stays fit,” she affirmed. “I know my limitations but I also know my strengths. If there is any injury, then I will see.”
A Call for Tactical Improvement
Addressing the recent collective disappointment at the Asian Games, she suggested a renewed focus on technique and strategy. “Girls should learn to conserve themselves and apply their mind more,” she advised, emphasizing the need for tactical approaches rather than sheer aggression.
High Standards and Determination
Despite her storied career filled with medals and accolades, Mary Kom was candid about her standards for success. “Not winning a gold, now that’s a failure for me,” she laughed. With the World Championship in Delhi approaching, she remained cautious but determined. “I can only say that I will do my best; I never guarantee medals and I won’t do it now either. In a contact sport, it’s foolish to make big statements because you never know.”
A Light-Hearted Moment
As the conversation wound down, Mary Kom and Onler shared a light-hearted moment. “Funny how I am a part of all this now, I got interested only in 2001,” Onler remarked. Mary Kom’s playful response, “Yeah, the year you got interested in me,” concluded the interview on a warm note, encapsulating the blend of dedication and personal joy that defined her remarkable journey.
Passion Beyond the Ring
Mary Kom’s dedication extended beyond the ring, as she continued to embody her sport’s spirit with unwavering passion. “Boxing is my soul,” she declared, while Onler added with a smile, “She carries her training gear all the time in the car. During Parliament sessions, she just runs from training to the house in the morning, changing on the way.”
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