Journalism of Courage
Comparisons of her dual role with a certain Manny Pacquiao only evoke laughter from MC Mary Kom but the five-time world champion says being an active boxer and a parliamentarian at the same time is no laughing matter as the twin jobs are exhausting and exhilarating in equal measure. In Pic: Rajya Sabha MP Mary Kom at her residence in a relaxed mood when she has no practice, she likes to spend time with her kids. (Express photo by Renuka Puri)
Another recent chapter of her extraordinary life journey was becoming a Rajya Sabha MP in 2016 and winning her fifth Asian Championships gold medal a year later. In Pic: Rajya Sabha MP Mary Kom during the Monsoon Session of Parliament (Express photo by Renuka Puri)
A five-time world and Asian champion, Mary Kom is also the country’s only woman boxer with an Olympic medal (a bronze won in London 2012 Games). In Pic: Mary Kom with her son Karong Rechungvar at her residence in New Delhi. (Express Photo by Renuka Puri)
The 35-year-old was christened ‘Magnificent Mary’ by the International Boxing Association (AIBA) a few years ago for her stellar career, which also includes an Asian Games gold medal. In Pic: Mary Kom with her youngest son Karong prince Chungthanglen at her residence. (Express photo by Renuka Puri)
Thoughts of retirement, even at 35, are like a pack of lies for champion boxer MC Mary Kom, who says she is far from relinquishing the queendom she has carved out for herself in all these years. In Pic: Mary Kom with her three sons Karong Rechungvar, Karong Khupneivar Kom and the youngest one Karong prince Chungthanglen at her residence in New Delhi. In her free time, she likes spending time with her kids and is often seen playing football with them. (Express photo by Renuka Puri)
Mary Kom had a memorable Commonwealth Games, which is expected to be her last one, where she dominated her final 48kg category bout against Northern Ireland’s Kristina O’Hara. In Pic: Rajya Sabha MP Mary Kom with her younger son Karong prince Chungthanglen. (Express photo by Renuka Puri)
‘Magnificient Mary’ won the Arjuna Award in 2003, Padma Shri in 2006 and Padma Bhushan in 2013. She is also the first amateur athlete to win the Padma Bhushan. (Express Photo by Renuka Puri)
The 35-year-old had pulled out of the Asian Games due to a shoulder problem, but is expected to be back in action at the World Championships to be held in New Delhi in November. In Pic: Mary Kom at Parliament house during Monsoon session in New Delhi. (Express Photo by Praveen Jain)
The legendary MC Mary Kom will lead a star-studded Indian women’s boxing team’s training stint in Italy as part of the preparations for the upcoming Asian Games. (Express Photo by Anil Sharma)
