‘KOM’ARADERIE
Boxer Mary Kom’s life away from the ring
In a nondescript village in Churachandpur district, near Imphal, a mother pleads with her five-year-old twins to stop fighting. She’s quick to explain that her children are home because there is no fuel in their neck of the woods, and hence no transport available to get them to school. The soft and concerned mother who is speaking is a far cry from the aggressive and ruthless fighter Mangte Chungneijang Mary Kom is in a boxing ring.
Mary Kom, as she’s known to the world, is for the first time since becoming a mother enjoying the joys of motherhood.
From packing their favourite meals to reading bed-time stories, her children Rechungvar and Khupneivar are relishing their mother’s attention.
A star sportsperson who has done India proud with a bronze medal in boxing at the 2012 London Olympics, the 30-year-old is back in the news if not the ring, as her biopic starring Priyanka Chopra gathers momentum. Mary, who has spent considerable time with Priyanka, said, “We spent a lot of time together. When we first met Priyanka was very curious about me. She wanted to know everything about me, right from what I wear to what I eat. To play my part will be difficult physically, but she is a very beautiful superstar and I’m sure she’ll do justice to who I am.”
The past seven to eight months have pushed Mary into a territory which until then was a fantasy lived through television. International endorsements, Page 3 parties and not to forget fashion shows! Mary and her family’s lifestyle has surely switched gears.
Speaking about her life now, Mary says, “You know, as a child I always loved to dress up, and watched with great curiosity the latest fashion which came into our local market, but many a time affordability would be a huge issue. I have always loved glamour and it’s heartening to see the glamourisation of Indian sport. It’s like a dream I’m living now. My children have been to many events with me and they, too, love the attention.”
But amidst all the attention, Mary hasn’t forgotten who she is. Having taken a break from boxing, she’ll return to the ring at the end of the year and, in the meanwhile, she’s keeping herself fit with a daily regime she follows during off-season.
“As much as I love spending time with my family and being with them, I can’t stay away from the ring. I love being a part of sport, because I am who I am because of boxing and I’m never going to forget that.”