Eight World Championship medals serve as the primary testament to the career of Mary Kom, the Indian boxer who established a benchmark for female athletes in the sport. Hailing from rural Manipur, she transitioned from early athletic pursuits in javelin and running to international boxing, eventually securing six World Amateur Boxing Championship titles during a sustained tenure in the ring.
Early Development and Transition
Born Mangte Chungneijang in 1982, she grew up in Kagathei village within the Churachandpur district. Her initial schooling occurred at Loktak Christian Model High School and St. Xavier Catholic School. Inspired by the 1998 success of Dingko Singh, she shifted focus to boxing in 2000. Under the guidance of coaches K. Kosana Meitei and M. Narjit Singh, she cultivated the skills necessary to excel at the Imphal Sports Academy.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →International Competition and Weight Classes
The structure of amateur boxing necessitated shifts in her competitive weight, as classes like 46 kg were phased out. She navigated these changes successfully, moving into the 51 kg flyweight category. Her reach extended to the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, where she claimed a bronze medal. Her record includes six Asian Amateur Boxing Championships and gold medals at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon and the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Political and Public Life
Beyond her athletic career, Kom served as a member of the Rajya Sabha between 2016 and 2022. Her contributions to Indian sport resulted in multiple civilian honors, including the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2020. In December 2018, the government of Manipur recognized her with the title Meethoi Leima, while local authorities named a road in Imphal West after her.
Fast facts
- Born: 1982, Manipur, India
- Primary Sport: Boxing
- World Championship Medals: 8
- Olympic Achievement: Bronze medal, 2012 London
- Political Tenure: Member of Rajya Sabha, 2016-2022
- Highest Civilian Award: Padma Vibhushan (2020)
- Education: Manipur University; National Institute of Open Schooling
Questions readers ask
How many world championship medals has Mary Kom won?
She is the only boxer, male or female, to win eight World Championship medals.
Did Mary Kom compete in the 2010 Commonwealth Games?
No, she did not compete as the event did not feature women's boxing at that time.
