Boxer Mary Kom punches her way into Rajya Sabha

Hyderabad: Parliament will soon see a tough woman punching hard for the underprivileged sections of the society. Five-time boxing World champion and Olympic medallist Mary Kom has been nominated as one of the six new members of the Rajya Sabha on Friday.

Mary was understandably elated. “It’s a great honour for me,” she said at a promotional event here on Friday. “I have never ever dreamt of this (Rajya Sabha seat). I was only focussed on my training and qualification for this year’s Rio Olympics... I have always yearned to win an Olympic gold,” she added.

Mary is yet to qualify for Rio though, and her last chance is the World Championships to be held in Astana, Kazhakstan, from May 19 to 27. “The Astana event is on my mind currently. I will have to make the final there to qualify for this year’s Olympics. I am doing my best and preparing hard to make it to Rio,” the 33-year-old said clenching her fist.

Having come from a humble background, Mary is known to overcome obstacles. “My family was poor and have had to struggle to come up, thanks to will power. I am glad a lot of people from such social strata are inspired by my success and are punching way above their weight. All I want to say to budding boxers is if you have the passion, you will automatically pave your way to the top. Enjoy the experience and give it your best shot,” she said.

But there is no time for rest in the fiercely competitive world. “I am trying to improve my skill and technique every day. Fitness too is a very important part of a sportsperson’s life and there can’t be any compromises on that count,” the sturdy champ said.

How does the mother of three manage all this? “I am very lucky to have a good husband, who supports me a lot on that front,” she giggles. “It’s not easy for a married woman to box in our country but my husband is my sporting partner as well. Even after I became a mother of three, he never stopped me from boxing and provided me huge support. He takes care of our children while I am away and that allows me to focus completely on my game and keeps me going,” Mary elaborates.

Having played a bit of sport himself, hubby Karung Onkholer understands Mary’s commitments only too well. “He comes from a sporting background too — he was a footballer who played for Meghalaya at the junior national level. That helps,” she smiles.

Mary is also happy about the boxing scene in India now. “There has been quite a change from the days I began to box. Only few knew about women’s boxing in the country then. Now, there are a lot of facilities, which are on par with the men’s sport. I am glad we are doing well on that count,” she says.

Now, with her own “boxing academy in Manipur all done and awaiting inauguration” the stage is set to churn out many more women of exemplary courage.