Chungneijang Mangte Mary Kom is a well-known Indian boxer, legislator, and member of Parliament. She is the first Indian woman to compete in the World Amateur Boxing Championships, where she set a milestone by being the first Indian woman to win a medal in every bout for seven years.

1. A high school dropout

Mary was unable to complete her high school education since she never enjoyed studying. When she was in class 7 at St Xavier’s School, she chose to resign to dedicate more time to boxing. Later on, she would take her final examinations in secret and would finish her degree from Churachandpur College in private.

2. Came to boxing after college

Mary had never taken boxing seriously, despite her liking for it. She didn’t consider it as a professional option until much later. In fact, it is reported that Mary only decided to try boxing after her idol Dingko Singh won the gold medal in the Asian Games. Her hero’s achievements motivated her, and Mary Kom’s Asian Games gold became a life-changing inspiration.

3. An academy of her own

In her native state, Mary launched the MC Mary Kom Boxing Academy to promote and assist hundreds of young bright fighters in attaining their boxing aspirations. Since 2007, she has provided free instruction to a large number of poor girls in order to assure that poverty does not stand in the way of an aspiring boxer’s goals.

4. Care for the animals

Mary is an outspoken advocate for animal welfare. She is a staunch opponent of animal cruelty for entertainment and has shown her support for animal welfare. Mary Kom is a living example of what steadfast passion and effort can achieve.