The boxing star and pride of the nation MC Mary Kom adds yet another title to her growing list. She has now been awarded the title of Best Asian Female Athlete by the Asian Sports Press Union (AIPS) Asia. The award was presented during the 22nd AIPS Asia meeting in Malaysia. The award was collected by eminent sports journalist Subodh Malla Barua as Mary Kom couldn't make it to the event.
Coming from a very humble background of tenant farmers in Manipur, she created history by winning World Championship six times. With her hard work and persistence, she has gained immense popularity worldwide. Last year she defeated Kim Hyang Mi (North Korean boxer) to win the championship title for the sixth time. Her journey from a small village to becoming a world champion is an inspiration for all.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Six-time World Champion M.C Mary Kom has won the title of Best Asian Female Athlete.
- Last year she defeated Kim Hyang Mi (North Korean boxer) to win the championship title for the sixth time.
- She has started India's first female-only fight club at Imphal to teach girls to defend themselves against sexual violence.
- South Korean footballer Son Heung-Min won the title of Best Asian Male Athlete.
An inspirational journey
Mangte Chungneijang Mary Kom was born in Kangathei village, Moirang Lamkhai in Churachandpur district of Manipur. Her parents were small tenant farmers and her father used to be a wrestler.
During her school days, she used to participate in all types of sports including volleyball, football, and athletics. However, Manipuri boxer Dingko Singh's victory inspired her to take up boxing as a career and at the age of 15, she started her training. Initially, her father wasn't supporting her sport as he was worried that this rough sport will spoil her face and her chances of getting a potential groom. Nevertheless, Mary chose boxing and after seeing his daughter's hard work and determination her father started supporting her.
After dating for four years she married K Onler Kom in 2005. After the birth of her twins and third child, Mary made a comeback to boxing and in 2008 won her first silver medal at the Asian Women's Boxing Championship. Mary continues to be on a winning streak ever since. For her immense contribution in the athletics field, she was awarded Padma Bhushan in 2013. She has also started India's first female-only fight club at Imphal to teach girls to defend themselves against sexual violence.
Read Also: Mary Kom strikes gold at President’s Cup in Indonesia
Recognising other Asian talents
Other than Mary Kom, South Korean footballer Son Heung-Min won the title of Best Asian Male Athlete. Similarly, Qatar Men National Football Team won Asia’s Best Men Team award. While the Japanese Women National Football Team won Asia’s Best Women Team award.
Indian boxer Gaurav Bidhuri congratulated Mary Kom on felicitation. He tweeted "Congratulations Marykom Didi for getting Best Asian Female Athlete Award in Malaysia by Asian Sports Press Union (AIPS) Asia @MangteC @KirenRijiju @AIPSmedia @Media_SAI @iosindiaoff #boxinglegend.
Picture Credit: Live Mint
Read Also: Mary Kom’s First Tattoo Screams One Target — Tokyo 2020 Olympics!
Divya Tripathi is an intern with SheThePeople.TV
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