Mary Kom
I would sometimes get into fist fights with my friends, but that was it,” she says. That was when I decided I wanted to become a boxer,” says Mary. “My father did not want me to take up boxing, so I started playing matches without my parents knowing about it,” she shares.
For boxing legend Mary Kom, the road to becoming one of India’s celebrated athletes began with a chance television encounter with Muhammad Ali. As a child, Kom – who went on to win multiple world titles and an Olympic bronze medal – was active in sports at school, playing football and several other games. Boxing, however, was not among them. “I was very active in sports in school. I used to play football and many other games, but I never did boxing. Box: ‘Kept boxing a secret’ Everything changed when she watched Muhammad Ali on TV. “One day, I saw Muhammad Ali boxing on TV and I fell in love with the sport. However, her father did not approve of it, so she began competing without telling her parents. Looking for trusted parenting advice? Follow TOI Parenting Circle on Instagram for expert guidance, relatable stories, and practical tips delivered every day.