Unlike many Goans I am not an avid boxing fan but that would certainly not deter me from joining the millions in acclaiming the stupendous achievement of MC Mary Kom in rewriting boxing history by winning the sixth world title.
She has done it at the age of 35, when most sports personalities contemplate on retirement and settling for a peaceful life free from the tension of competitions. That apart, she has accomplished the feat being a mother of three children, whereas in our country motherhood in some signals the end of their career. Above all she has won laurels in a sport like boxing, which presumably, even men sparingly dare to invade, leave alone women. Noticeably, she has overpowered her Ukrainian rival who is a young and dynamic 22 years old.
It is worth noting that when she got married many must have written her off wondering which married woman would enter the boxing bout. Thereafter when she entered motherhood almost all must have imagined that she would hang her gloves once and for all. But competitive that she is, she didn’t allow any such episodes distract her from her persistent goal of being on top. Men like Sachin Tendulkar, doing us Indians proud through unmatchable exploits in cricket is conceivable. Likewise PT Usha making India noticeable in sprints is comprehendible. However Mary Kom at 35, being a mother of three, winning her record sixth title in a dreaded sport like boxing is simple unimaginable.
Most importantly, complacency is not written in her dictionary for she has now set her sight on the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Her success story emerging from a simple background from a remote village in Manipur and scaling the top of the world should be an eye-opener to all particularly the feminine world to imbibe the never say die spirit.
It would be disservice if I fail to commend the fortitude of her husband and other family members for being supportive and cooperative in her mighty efforts. We wonder what sacrifices must have been done by her family, particularly her husband ensuring that she marches ahead towards the goal. The life of MC Mary Kom should find place in the text books in schools to motivate both girls and boys to achieve the set objectives overcoming all hurdles through mutual cooperation and understanding.
