Mary Kom Wiki & Biography: Mary Kom, whose full name is Chungneijang Mary Kom Hmangte, is an Indian boxer and one of the most accomplished female boxers in the country. Popularly known as the “Magnificent Mary,” she has represented India at major international boxing competitions and won numerous medals and honours during her career. She became the only Indian woman boxer to qualify for the 2012 Summer Olympics, where she won a bronze medal.
| Name | Chungneijang Mary Kom Hmangte |
|---|---|
| Nick Name | Mary Kom |
| Profession | Boxer |
| Famous For | Boxing |
| Date Of Birth | 1 March 1983 |
| Age | 43 |
| Birthplace | Kangathei, Manipur, India |
| Caste | NA |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Hometown | Kangathei, Manipur, India |
| School | Loktak Christian Model High School, Moirang, Manipur, India |
| College/ University | Churachandpur College, Manipur, India |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Food Habit | Non-vegetarian |
| Address | Kangathei, Manipur, India |
| Hobbies | Martial Arts, Travelling, Watching TV, Singing |
| Movies, TV Shows | NA |
| Height (approx.) | 5 feet 3 inches |
| Weight (approx.) | 59 |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Light Brown |
| Awards/ Honours | NA |
| Martial Status | Married |
| Parents | Father: Mangte Tonpa Kom Mother: Mangte Akham Kom |
Mary Kom Biography
Mary Kom Early Life and Education
Mary Kom was born on 1 March 1983 in Kangathei, Manipur, India. She grew up in a poor family whose parents were involved in Jhum cultivation.
From childhood, she was interested in sports and participated in different sporting activities. She was particularly inspired by Indian boxer Dingko Singh, whose success motivated her to take up boxing seriously.
At the age of 15, Mary Kom decided to pursue boxing as a career. However, she initially kept her interest in boxing secret from her father because he was concerned that the sport could injure her face and affect her future marriage prospects.
Mary Kom studied at Loktak Christian Model High School and St. Xavier Catholic School in Moirang before moving to Imphal for further education. She later attended Adimjati High School in Imphal.
After completing her schooling, she studied at Churachandpur College in Manipur, affiliated with Manipur University, and graduated.
Mary Kom Career
Mary Kom began her boxing training under K. Kosana Meitei in Imphal.
She made her domestic boxing debut at the State Boxing Championship in 2000. Her international debut came in 2001 at the Women’s World Amateur Boxing Championship.
Her early success established her as a promising boxer from Manipur and encouraged her to continue competing at national and international levels.
Mary Kom went on to become one of the most successful female boxers in the history of amateur boxing. She became a five-time World Amateur Boxing Champion and won medals in each of the six World Championships in which she competed.
She was also ranked No. 4 in the AIBA World Women’s Ranking in the flyweight category.
After getting married and becoming a mother, Mary Kom took a break from boxing. She later returned to the sport and won a silver medal at the Asian Women’s Boxing Championship in 2008.
Her comeback became an important part of her sporting journey and demonstrated her ability to return to competitive boxing after motherhood.
The 2012 Summer Olympics became a major turning point in Mary Kom’s career.
She became the only woman boxer from India to qualify for the 2012 Olympics and won a bronze medal in the women’s flyweight category.
Her Olympic achievement made her one of the most recognised Indian athletes and further increased the popularity of women’s boxing in India.
Mary Kom has received several of India’s highest sporting and civilian honors. 2003 – Arjuna Award, 2006 – Padma Shri, 2009 – Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, now known as the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, 2013 – Padma Bhushan, 2020 – Padma Vibhushan ,2023 – Global Indian Icon of the Year award at the U.K.-India Awards