Notes Chapter 4.4 “Unbeatable Super Mom – Mary Kom” Class 10 English Maharashtra Board

Notes For All Chapters – English Class 10

1. Introduction to Mary Kom

• Full Name: Mary Mangte Kom.
• Title: Known as “The Komqueror” and “Komrade.”
• Achievements:
  • Five-time World Boxing Champion.
  • Only boxer to win a medal in each of the six World Championships.
  • First Indian woman boxer to win a bronze medal in the 2012 Olympics (51 kg flyweight category).

2. Early Life

Birthplace: Kangthei village, Moirang Lamkhai, Churachandpur district, Manipur.

Family Background:

• Parents: Mangte Tonpa Kom and Mangte Akham Kom.
• Occupation: Tenant farmers practicing jhum cultivation.
• Economic Condition: Lived in humble surroundings.

Childhood:

• Assisted parents with farming.
• Attended school and developed an interest in athletics.

Inspiration:

• Inspired by Dingko Singh, a Manipuri boxer who won gold at the 1998 Bangkok Asian Games.

3. Journey in Boxing

Start of Career:

• Began boxing in 2000.
• Won the Manipur State Women’s Boxing Championship and the regional championship in West Bengal.

International Debut:

• In 2001, at 18 years old, debuted at the AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championship in the USA.
• Won a silver medal in the 48 kg weight category.
• Apologized to the nation for not winning gold, showcasing her humility.

Major Achievements:

• Six-time World Champion.
• Bronze medalist at the 2012 London Olympics.
• Gold medalist at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Awards and Recognition:

• Arjuna Award (2003), Padma Shri (2006), Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (2009).
• Named “Magnificent Mary” by the AIBA.

4. Challenges Faced

• Societal and Financial Challenges:
  • Faced societal stereotypes about women in sports.
  • Overcame financial difficulties with support from organizations like OGQ (Olympic Gold Quest).
• Training Challenges:
  • Sparred with male boxers for practice.
  • Adjusted her weight to compete in a different category for the 2012 Olympics (from 48 kg to 51 kg).

5. Personal Life

• Family:
  • Married with three children (including twins).
  • Manages to balance her boxing career with motherhood.
• Values:
  • Demonstrates humility, resilience, and selflessness.
  • Proud of being both a boxer and a mother.

6. Key Qualities of Mary Kom

• Hardworking: Dedicated to rigorous training and fitness.
• Resilient: Overcame personal, societal, and professional hurdles.
• Inspiring: A role model for aspiring athletes, especially women.
• Tactical: Known for her strategic and fearless approach in boxing.
• Humble: Apologized for not winning gold despite immense success.

7. Vision for Indian Sports

• Believes more people should take sports as a full-time career.
• Advocates for sponsorships and better financial support for athletes.
• Stresses the importance of nutrition in sports training.
• Optimistic about the future of Indian boxing, especially for women.

8. Interview Insights

Preparation for the Olympics:

• Confident despite being the only Indian female boxer at the event.
• Missed her coach Charles Atkinson but relied on prior training.

Opinions on Judging:

• Believes some decisions during the Olympics were unfair.

Future Plans:

• Hopes to train future boxers and promote boxing in India.
• Maintains a positive outlook on the growing popularity of boxing.

9. Lessons from Mary Kom’s Life

• Perseverance Pays Off: Despite humble beginnings, she reached the pinnacle of success.
• Breaking Stereotypes: Proved that women can excel in fields traditionally dominated by men.
• Balance in Life: Managed her roles as a boxer and a mother with grace.
• Inspiration for Generations: Encouraged countless young athletes to pursue boxing and other sports.