Why mothers are a special breed - ask boxers Mary Kom, Simranjit Kaur
Eight-time world boxing medallist and a mother of three, Mary Kom is an icon for women who want to make a career out of sports.
In a career spanning over two decades, boxing legend MC Mary Kom has let her actions speak for themselves, be it inside the ring or outside.
The most decorated amateur boxer in the world -- with eight world championships medals including six golds -- and the only Indian woman boxer to clinch an Olympic medal, India’s Magnificent Mary has grown in stature with every passing year.
In a largely patriarchal society where women are born to raise families, the 38-year-old Mary Kom has taken upon herself to break stereotypes and become a crusader for women empowerment.
As the boxing great prepares for her final Olympic bow at the Tokyo 2020 Games, Mary Kom hopes that her career will act as a template for women who want to rise and shine in life.
“I like to lead by example. I am not good at giving a message. I like to let my actions talk. I think I have inspired a number of women to stay true to their sport despite the hurdles that come in their lives,” Mary Kom told Olympics.com
“Usually you see that a number of women athletes pull out of active sports after marriage or after a pregnancy. But that’s changing now. I'd like to believe that I have shown that one can still be a champion athlete even after being a mother. If I can do it, I don't see a reason why other girls can't.”
Simranjit Kaur living her mother’s dreams
Mary Kom is already in the company of women who want to chase professional careers through sports. Simranjit Kaur, the lightweight boxer who will accompany the Indian great to Tokyo 2020, is one such example.
The 25-year-old Simranjit Kaur says that she’s living her mother’s dream. “I am in this (boxing) because of my mum,” Simranjit Kaur said. “She's the one who pushed me into this.
“During her early days, she was very keen on becoming an athlete. But she was denied the opportunity. I think that made her adamant that she would push her kids, especially if she had a daughter, into sports. I have a sister and two brothers and today the four of us are boxers of some repute.”
Heading into her maiden Games, the 25-year-old from Punjab hopes to go the distance for her mother.
“I feel goosebumps whenever I think of the day I qualified for the Tokyo Games in Jordan. It’s been my dream for a long time. To represent my country at the biggest stage,” Simranjit said.
“Yes, I feel the responsibility towards my nation and the Indian boxing family. But above all this journey (to the Olympics) is for my mother. It’s because of her that I am here today. She wanted her kids to be boxers and I am living her dream,” Simranjit pointed out.