Mumbai: Mary Kom is a towering figure in the history of Indian sports. The Manipuri boxer is a six-time champion at the World Amateur Boxing Championship, Asian Games gold medallist and has also won a bronze medal at the Olympics.
But if you think her successful boxing career made her immune to sexual crimes, then you are wrong.
In an open letter to her sons, published by Hindustan Times as part of social campaign #LetsTalkAboutRape, the boxer has revealed that she was molested twice.
“Let me start by telling you that your mother was molested, first in Manipur and then again while she was out with her girl friends in Delhi and Haryana’s Hissar,” wrote Mary Kom. “I know it is shocking to learn that even a woman who has earned her spurs, boxing her way through life, was made to feel violated.”
The Olympics bronze medallist recounted the unfortunate incident in her letter.
“I was on my way to my training camp at 8.30 in the morning in a cycle rickshaw when a stranger suddenly lunged at me and stroked my breast. I was angry, very angry.
“I leapt off the rickshaw and chased him, holding my slipper in my hand, but he managed to escape. My regret is that I could not catch him or the karate that I had already learnt by then, would have come in handy."
The boxer also discussed about gender roles in her letter and expressed her admiration for her husband.
“You grow up in a home where we teach you respect and equality. Your father does not go out to do a nine-to-five job – like you see your friend’s dads doing – because one of us must always be there for you. Between my training and my work now as a Member of Parliament, I have to spend long hours out of home.”
“I have the utmost respect for your father who now dedicates his time for me and for you all. You will soon hear the words “house husband” but remember that’s not a slur; neither is it derogatory. He’s my strength, my partner, who walks with me through every step I take.”
The world champion also discussed the issue of racial discrimination faced by people of north-east in India.
“There are other words that you will hear soon. You might be walking with me one of these days to hear your mother being called a ‘chinky’. That is a slur. That is racist.”
“My country has given me fame and recognition but I am not recognised by each person on the road – as an MS Dhoni or a Virat Kohli will most certainly be – but I do not deserve to be called ‘chinky’.”
The Rajya Sabha MP ends her letter with a hope of building a nation where girls are safe and respected.
“I know I can beat a molester to pulp and that might help me fight the deep sense of being defiled but why should it even come to that? Desire is beautiful when it is reciprocal.”
“We have often heard the explanation of ‘boys will be boys’. Let’s build a society where girls can be safe, secure and respected.”
