M.C. Mary Kom grew up in a little village in Manipur. Her parents worked hard at a variety of jobs to give their children the best education possible. Mary, too, pitched in to help them from the time she was very young. When it was clear to everyone that she was an exceptional sportsperson, Mary’s parents sent her to the city to get professional training. In Imphal, she chose to train in boxing—a sport that made use of her grit, strength and agility, and appealed to the tough spirit within her.

Mary Kom overcame numerous hurdles to become a record six-time winner of the World Boxing Championship. She won medals at the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games, and when women’s boxing was introduced in the Olympics in 2012, she created history by winning a bronze. Along the way, Mary Kom became a mother and returned to the sport after a break to go on a winning streak.

Mary Kom’s life story is a testament to the fact that dreams do come true— when backed with tremendous hard work, zeal and resilience. As she said herself, ‘I hope that my life is proof to youngsters across India that it is possible to do more if they dare, if they have the will.’