Boxer MC Mary Kom in Rajya Sabha

Parliament will soon see a tough woman punching hard for the underprivileged sections of the society. Five-time boxing world champion and Olympic medallist M.C. Mary Kom was on Friday nominated as one of the six new members of the Rajya Sabha.

Mary was understandably elated. “It’s a great honour for me,” she said at a promotional event here on Friday.

“I have never ever dreamt of this (Rajya Sabha seat). I was only focussed on my training and qualification for this year’s Rio Olympics... I have always yearned to win an Olympic gold,” she added.

Mary is yet to qualify for Rio though, and her last chance is the world championships to be held in Astana, Kazhakstan, from May 19 to 27.

“The Astana event is on my mind currently. I will have to make the final there to qualify for this year’s Olympics. I am doing my best and preparing hard to make it to Rio,” the 33-year-old said clenching her fists.

Having come from a humble background, Mary is known to overcome obstacles. “My family was poor and have had to struggle to come up through sheer will-power. I am glad a lot of people from such social strata are inspired by my success and are punching way above their weight.

“All I want to say to budding boxers is if you have the passion, you will automatically pave your way to the top. Enjoy the experience and give it your best shot,” she said.

But there is no time for rest in the fiercely competitive world.

“I am trying to improve my skill and technique every day. Fitness too is a very important part of a sportsperson’s life and there can’t be any compromises on that count,” the sturdy champ said.

How does the mother of three manage all this “I am very lucky to have a good husband, who supports me a lot on that front,” she giggles.

“It’s not easy for a married woman to box in our country but my husband is my sporting partner as well. Even after I became a mother of three, he never stopped me from boxing and provided me huge support. He takes care of our children while I am away and that allows me to focus completely on my game and keeps me going,” Mary elaborates.

Having played a bit of sport himself, hubby Karung Onler Kom understands Mary’s commitments only too well.

“He comes from a sporting background too — he was a footballer who played for Meghalaya at the junior national level. That helps,” she smiles.