Bangalore: She literally fought her way up to where she is today. Mangte Chungneijang or Mary Kom, a five-time world boxing champion, and the only woman boxer to have won a medal in each one of the six world championships is the only Indian woman boxer to have qualified for the 2012 Summer Olympics.
In Bengaluru on Wednesday to launch her autobiography titled Unbreakable, she talks about her incredible story of struggle, sacrifice and success.
“Since I won the Olympics, I had the thought at the back of my mind to write about my experiences to inspire youngsters to take up the sport, and especially how women should not shy away from boxing.
I gave a lot of tips to Priyanka and was invited to attend shoots as well. I told Priyanka how I used to practice boxing at home.
Most people have read about me in many interviews that I have given, but most of the times one cannot share everything. The interviews are mostly about your happy times, but I had to face many obstacles and hardships on the way .
After winning the Olympic medal, when I had some time on hand, I decided it was time to pen about these sacrifices,“ says the No 4 AIBA World Women's Ranking Flyweight champ.
How does she manage to juggle motherhood, book writing and running her boxing academy, we ask and she states, “My sons Rechungvar and Khupneivar are six years old now and my younger one has just completed six months.
He's been under the weather, since both of us have to trav el to different cities for the book pro motions. My husband Onler Kom has been very supportive too.
Though I'm based out of Manipur, I have to travel atleast thrice a month.“
Talking about the upcoming Sanjay Leela Bhansali movie where Priyanka Chopra plays the role of Mary Kom, she says, “I gave a lot of tips to Priyanka and was invited to attend shoots as well.
I told Priyanka how I used to practice boxing at home. But then after my delivery, I needed time to recover and could not make it for three months.
After my travel to different cities for the book, I will have to go to Mumbai, Darjeeling and Manali to give my inputs for the film. Priyanka had plans to come to Bengaluru for my book launch, but couldn't make it due to her busy schedule.
I'm thankful to Amitabh Bachchan who came for the launch in Mumbai. He's always had good words for me and even wished me after I won my medal, I also met up with Abhishek Bachchan when I was in London.“ There's definitely something about Mary!
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