Five-time world champion boxer MC Mary Kom may have invoked fear in several of her opponents but the task of addressing Prime Minister Narendra Modi left her trembling that she almost forgot her thanksgiving speech.
“When we were told that the Prime Minister would be meeting all the Incheon Asian Games medallists, I was super excited,” Mary Kom said on the sidelines of a function to launch the 8th Bangalore Midnight Marathon. “But when they told me that I have to deliver the thanksgiving speech, I was absolutely scared.“In fact, I was trembling.
I almost forgot what I had to say. I’ve knocked out quite a few opponents in my career, but this time I was almost knocked out! I never get scared of any opponent, but when I walked up to the stage, I really didn’t know what to do. Somehow it all came out well.”
The 31-year-old, who won the gold medal at Incheon, however, said the meeting with Modi was very motivating. “His speech was very moving and touching. He praised us for our efforts and told us that the government would be there to help us anytime. He made us feel very important. It was one of the best meetings we athletes have had with a prime minister.”
An inspiration to millions of working women around the world, Mary Kom said disproving the thought that mothers are best suited for homes is what made her strive for gold in South Korea. “People say after marriage a woman cannot achieve much, more so if she has a child. That’s what prompted me to win world titles. I wanted to prove that a woman can achieve anything even if she is married with kids.
“Also, after the third child, people assumed that I was done. I wanted to prove them wrong again by winning a gold at the Asian Games. It was a huge challenge considering that I didn’t make the Indian team for the preceding Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. That spurred me and I’m really happy to have won the gold. I really need to thank my family for being supportive of me.”
Still recovering from the bruises sustained in Korea, Mary Kom was non-commital on her participation in next month’s World Championship. “I’m suffering from a hamstring injury in the left leg. I’m yet to resume training. Also, there are some minor niggles and they are taking time to heal. I’m yet to take a call on the world championship. Will decide upon that in the next couple of weeks.”
