The driving forces behind one of the world’s greatest female boxers, India’s Mary Kom

May 9th, 2016 / Astana 2016 Interviews, IBA

After missing out on the 2014 World Championships through injury, what would it mean to win a sixth medal in Astana this year?

The title would be a secondary for me because, more than that, I would simply love to win. I am working hard to give it my best performance.

You are part of the AIBA Ambassadors’ program which aims to promote women’s boxing, why is that important for you?

It is really an honor for me to be one of AIBA’s Ambassadors and I am grateful to AIBA for including me in this. Boxing is my passion and has made me something from nothing, so I feel it is worth promoting and making it even more attractive and I feel it is my responsibility to share that with the world because, by doing so, it could change the fate of someone, somewhere just like mine.

What three things have made you the athlete you are today?

My hard work, my determination to win and God’s Amazing Grace.

Who has inspired your career?

Mohammad Ali and, of course, all the challenges of life.

You are now a role model for many women in your home country, how does that feel?

I am grateful to God for bringing me up to this level from nowhere. Taking this privilege, I always urge society to welcome and respect women as we, too, are a gift from God. Just as much as men, women can become anything they want, they can become like me.

What local charity organisations are you involved with?

I am most involved with my Boxing Foundation, a charitable trust as of now, as it is still in its initial stages and with loads of requirements yet to be settled. It was my long-cherished dream to have a fully-fledged boxing academy with world-class facilities and my dream has been initiated.

Who is your favorite boxer and why?

Muhammad Ali was and still is my favorite boxer. His footwork was incredible, his skills were untouchable and his personality extended far beyond the ring.

What is your favorite quote?

“You reap what you sow”. This is what my father used to always remind me and has remained my favorite quote to get me where I am today.