What unites us is our loyal devotion to Bharat, Mother India: Mary Kom

India has many reasons to celebrate on Independence Day today. And one of them being Mary Kom, the first Indian woman boxer to create history at the Olympics by winning a bronze medal. The win in a way is symbolic of India’s resilience — as an Indian, a woman, a mother and  a dream unfettered by obstacles. Mary, who’s inspired by the Alis (iconic Muhammad Ali and his daughter Laila), gets candid about her mother (who got to see her daughter at the Olympics through ‘Thank You Mom’), family, her hopes for ‘untapped sporting talents’in her country... and yes, the dream to win gold, still remains: The excerpts:

What does it feel like to have won a bronze at the Olympics?
I’m happy that I brought home a bronze, but what is even better is the fact that people have started recognising me — they know who I am and the sport I endorse. People are finally taking notice of women in boxing rings and for the first time, boxing has become a medal sport. Although in the past I have won the World Championship title five times, not many people were aware of it, Olympics has given me that platform and visibility.

Why did you feel the need to apologise for not winning a gold?
My reaction was instantaneous, a mixture of emotions. On one hand, I was glad I won a medal and on the other hand, I felt bad for not winning a gold — my country expected me to bring back a gold and I had let them down, and I apologised. I have no regrets about how I reacted back then, all I can say is it came from my heart.

Your mother (Akham Kom) in an interview regretted not having helped you in your dream to be a boxer. Does that ring in any memories?
My parents thought it was not appropriate for a girl to box, but when she saw my passion for the sport, she started encouraging me. But she still gets scared to see me in the ring. She starts crying if I get punched — she can’t help it, she’s a mother after all! Even if she did not support me initally, now she is one of my biggest supporters and my biggest strength. I thank her for being by my side, and credit my win to her!

What were your husband and children’s reaction on your win at the Olympics?
They were thrilled!! My children are too young to understand what this win means to us, but Onler (my husband) is very happy. I have made him proud!

You are also seen as a superhero mother. How do you achieve the balance between home an work?
Oh, it is quite difficult. But thankfully I have a very supportive family. My mother takes care of my kids when I am away training. My husband is also very supportive;  he has been with me throughout the journey. So you see, it is actually my mother, who is the superhero... I am just a hero (smiles)!

Now that you’re back from Olympics, what is the first thing you plan to do?
Right now, I am looking forward to a long vacation with my family — my mom, father, my husband and my kids.  There are no competitions till December, so I can go for a nice holiday. I guess with whatever my family has done for me, they deserve a break with me. I will ensure that I take them out for a vacation.

It’s often said that the North-East states feel alienated from the rest of India, now you’re called the real hero of India...
India is one country. It doesn’t matter which state you come from, as long as you represent India.

And today,  I think my state and my country, both must be equally proud of me! India is such a varied and diverse country with many different cultures and races, the one thing that unites us is our loyal devotion to Bharat, Mother India. 

India celebrates its 65th Independence Day this year, any thoughts on it?
Yes, I am very proud of what India has achieved in its 65 years of Independence. We have come a long way as a country and the future is looking bright.  As a nation, we possess a rich and untapped sporting talent, and I hope that with the economic growth and success of the country, the government will now turn its attention to developing it.