She spoke about how recognition eluded her until she clinched bronze in the London 2012 Olympic Games, despite being a world champion multiple times.
“After giving birth, I became a world champion again.Even though boxing was not included in the Olympic Games initially, I became a champion multiple times. I hadn’t got the recognition until Olympic medal. Finally, women’s boxing was included in the Olympic Games, and I have all the medals in my hand because of your love and support,” Mary Kom, now 41, said during the event on Tuesday.
Reflecting on her struggles, Mary emphasized the resilience required to overcome obstacles, especially as a woman and a mother.
“After failing, I learned a lot. Being strong is not easy. Being a woman and a mother is not easy, but I pray to God, and since childhood, I have always believed that I need to prove something in life. I want to empower many young girls and women. I am moving forward with God’s blessings, no matter what happens,” she added.
The boxing icon also recounted a disturbing incident from her early career when she was molested by a rickshaw puller in Manipur.
Mary shared how the encounter made her realize the importance of self-defence for girls and women.
“There was an incident. At the start of my career, I was in Manipur, and after one or two weeks of training, I was staying at Sports Authority of India hostel. One day, while in a rickshaw, the driver made some inappropriate moves. I don’t know if it was intentional, but I got angry and stopped him and beat him as well. The incident made me realize that girls are not safe anywhere. But I learned self-defense. Even if you don’t become a world champion, you should know how to defend yourself,” she said.
To conclude the session, Mary lit up the stage with a heartwarming rendition of Lata Mangeshkar‘s classic song “Ek Pyar Ka Nagma Hai,” showcasing yet another side of her immense talent.