Looking back now, I realise that belonging to the family of a labourer actually helped to prepare my body for boxing. There were many times when my family didn't have enough food or warm clothing to go around. All this made me physically, as well as emotionally, tough.

Mary Kom

The truth is, the harder you fight, the sweeter are the rewards in the end.

Mary Kom

I look like I'm Chinese or Thai or Japanese - very different.

Mary Kom

The boys, they are laughing: 'Oh, you are boxing. Very funny.' But I always challenge when people are laughing - 'I'll show you one day.' After getting five times world champion, they are all quiet. And they respect me.

Mary Kom

Watching boxer Dingko Singh's performance at the Asian Games, Bangkok, where he won gold, was the defining moment. I was 15 and enjoyed sports more than anything else. Singh's performance changed my life and inspired me to follow boxing.

Mary Kom

The incentive of a medal at the biggest sporting arena in the world is what drives me. Before I hang my gloves, I want to win the Olympic medal, and my performance at London will decide my future in the sport.

Mary Kom

I never told my parents that I was doing boxing. They only came to know after I became state champion and my name and picture came in the newspaper.

Mary Kom

I have a very fit body and have never faced any major injury problems. So yes, the secret to my success is my fit body.

Mary Kom

Looking back now, I realise that belonging to the family of a labourer actually helped to prepare my body for boxing. There were many times when my family didn't have enough food or warm clothing to go around. All this made me physically, as well as emotionally, tough.

Mary Kom

Without boxing, I can't live. I love boxing.

Mary Kom

It's a punishment game... only two boxers get in the ring. So when we get in the ring and we're not angry, then you're not a real boxer.

Mary Kom

I'm grateful to the state and central government for all their support for my academy.

Mary Kom

You can't walk away from your responsibilities and commitments.

Mary Kom

I had no support, no opportunity, no sponsors backing me for most of my career.

Mary Kom

I loved playing in the fields back home and racing with my fellow students on the way to school.

Mary Kom

My dream is to produce thousand Mary Koms.

Mary Kom

I learned my weaknesses at the Asian Games and other competitions where I lost. My guard was down.

Mary Kom

I can easily get a gold in the 48 kg. category, but 51 kg., it's difficult because other boxers may have a height advantage.

Mary Kom

I took up boxing out of sheer interest and to help my parents financially.

Mary Kom

In Manipur, mostly the top player's family background is very poor. I also come from a poor family, so we have to do more hard work to get money and a better life.

Mary Kom

When I started boxing, people laughed at me and said, 'What can women do in boxing?' I took it as a challenge. If men can do it, why can't women? And I became a world champion before my marriage.

Mary Kom