Mary Kom on India’s Olympic dream: A big boost for sports

Dubai: Mary Kom has never backed down from a challenge — whether it was stepping into the boxing ring, breaking barriers for women in sports, or inspiring the next generation of athletes. On International Women’s Day, the six-time world champion called for greater support for women in sports, stressing that India’s Olympic bid could be a game-changer for the country’s athletes.

“Olympics will be a big boost for the country’s sports sector. It will give all the athletes the opportunity and the platform to represent India at home. It will be an amazing experience for them, a dream come true,” she told Gulf News.

The 42-year-old Indian boxing icon was speaking at Aster DM Healthcare’s Diva 2025 programme, held in collaboration with Amity University Dubai, aimed at celebrating and empowering women. The event, themed “Women of Today: Accelerating Ambition,” featured an engaging interactive session between Mary Kom and Alisha Moopen, Managing Director and Group CEO of Aster DM Healthcare.

Reflecting on the importance of empowerment, Mary Kom stated: “Women possess incredible strength and are capable of breaking barriers to achieve their dreams and, in the process, achieve extraordinary things. There is a need for today’s women to believe in themselves and their own capabilities and continue pushing forward, undeterred by challenges.”

The boxing legend also shared a deeply personal decision — adopting a baby girl. “I always wanted a girl, and now I have one,” she said, highlighting the importance of making one’s own choices, whether in life or in sport.

Alisha Moopen echoed Kom’s thoughts, emphasising that passion and perseverance are key to overcoming obstacles. “Passion gives the spark when you wake up every morning. Play to your strengths. People will push you in different directions, parents will try to live their dreams through you. But it is important for you to know what you want and what you are good at,” she said — a key message for aspiring athletes and professionals.

Hailing from a small village in Manipur, Mary Kom’s career has been defined by perseverance. She took a break from boxing for the birth of her children, but made a remarkable comeback, winning bronze at the London 2012 Games.

Now the chairperson of the Indian Olympic Association’s Athletes Commission, Kom believes boxing has grown exponentially over the last decade. She urges national support in a country with an obsession for cricket to promote other sports and help achieve India’s Olympic dream.

“There is a huge change in boxing under the current government, and programmes like Khelo India [Play India] have been instrumental in the growth of many such sports in the country,” said Kom, who is planning to open a branch of the Mary Kom Academy in Dubai.

The Khelo India scheme focuses on the holistic development of children and youth, encouraging sports across the country by creating and upgrading infrastructure, developing talent through competitions, and establishing sports academies.

Kom remains optimistic about the future of Indian boxing, particularly for women. She believes female boxers have made tremendous strides in recent years and will continue to bring home more medals.

“If you believe in yourself and whatever you have a passion for, you will definitely achieve it. Never give up on your dreams. I did the same,” she said.

With India eyeing the 2036 Olympics, Mary Kom hopes the nation will rally behind its athletes. “We need the full support of the country to promote all sports, not just cricket. If we come together, we can make India a true sporting powerhouse.”