His mother might be an Olympic boxer but Prince was t2’s hero. He smiled, clapped and won our hearts. “He will be a boxer,” said Mary, working Prince’s little hands into a punch. “The name Prince was given by his brothers, and Chungthanglen by his grandmother. It means ‘hero’ and ‘popular’,” smiled the doting mom. Pictures: Sayantan Ghosh

Mary Kom is really ‘unbreakable’! Though she was under the weather and had an eight-month-old baby to manage, the smile never vanished from the Manipuri boxer’s face. Wow! A t2 chat on the sidelines of Sports Beyond Cricket In India, a talk organised by Ficci Flo Kolkata at The Park, on Thursday.

How are you managing three boys (twins Khupneivar and Rechungvar, and eight-month-old Prince Chungthanglen)?

It is easy (laughs). I don’t have any health problems. I had a little bit of back problem during my delivery. I also had a gallstone surgery recently but haven’t had any health problems otherwise. I run here and there and I want to make everyone happy, of course. I can also train harder if I am fit.

Who is the naughtiest?

Hmm… my elder twins (6). Prince is very peace loving. He is a very friendly baby. Smile Prince… (tells her baby)

Are you a strict mom?

I can be strict sometimes. My voice is always stern… gussa aa raha hai, par dil mein toh achha hai. The kids listen to Onler (husband) more. He just stares at them angrily. I have told him so many times that ‘say something when they are naughty’.

Do your kids play any sport?

The twins play all kinds of games… cricket, boxing, badminton. They are very interested in drawing. Most of the time, when they wake up, they will sit with pencil and paper and draw. No brushing or freshening up. Maybe one day they will be good painters!

How did you lose all the excess fat after your second pregnancy?

When I was pregnant, I had everything. [‘Whatever would come to the table!’ adds husband Onler] Sometimes, I would overeat. I love sweets. Chhota Bheem ladoo! My kids want it all the time…. I do all my work and I practise too. I train for just 10 to 15 minutes… just one round of running. I cannot go because of Prince. I had become 73kg. Now it’s 56-57kg. I didn’t do anything. When Prince sleeps, I sleep.

And you are aiming for gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics?!

That’s the main aim. My last final (laughs)… I want to give it a last chance. I want to give it my best.

Why do you say last chance?

I am 30 and boxing is a tough game. I have had a C-section. So, I have a lot of small, small injuries, back pain, knee pain… maybe I won’t be able to continue. Yes, I am still strong and I can fight till I am 60. My willpower is still there. But if my body is not working, then…

Your body is telling you to stop now?

Not yet… not till Rio I think. I know. After that, maybe I’ll get tired.

She’s into kick-boxing, karate, golf, swimming, tennis, darts, singing and painting.... whew! Tiasha Banerjee, a Class IX student at Mahadevi Birla World Academy. The teenager who loves to vent all her frustrations and anger through kick-boxing met Mary Kom for a chat at The Park. t2 sat in...

Tiasha: I have been learning kick-boxing for the past five years.

Mary: Okay, good.

Tiasha: I would just like to ask you about your inspirations…

Mary: Well, Muhammad Ali.

Tiasha: What do you like about him?

Mary: He is a professional boxer, but you can learn so many things from him.

Tiasha: What is a day in your life like?

Mary: I do anything I like...

Tiasha: What about practising?

Mary: Yes. When I am in the camp, I practise. I also wash and clean. I have to take care of the whole family.

Tiasha: Oh wow! It’s great fitness-wise too. (Mary smiles)

Tiasha: The parents, especially in Bengal, are like, ‘you must study first’ and sports is always secondary….

Mary: I know… even my father… (smiles)

Tiasha: My father also…. What would you like to tell the parents?

Mary: It’s really difficult to convince them and if they would love to see you make a career in sports, they will agree and support you.

Tiasha: What did you do?

Mary: I convinced and requested. You have to request again and again and again.

Tiasha: Do you get tense before a match?

Mary: Sometimes…

Tiasha: What do you do to overcome it? Please give me some tips.

Mary: My opponents are also human beings. They too have two hands and two legs…. Sometimes the media puts a lot of pressure on you. There is family pressure and the whole country’s pressure (smiles). I listen to music or do something to forget the pressure.

Tiasha: Just before a match?

Mary: Yeah... and then pray to God. God is always with me. So, I am not really scared. There are so many people supporting me. They want me to get a medal for the country.

Tiasha: You won a bronze in the 2012 summer Olympics. Do you think you deserved to win gold or silver?

Mary: (Smiles) Yes, I dream! But it couldn’t happen. It’s sports. I am giving my best. The Olympic games are really difficult. If I get more experience, then…

Tiasha: Get a gold. I wish you all the best!

Mary: Thank you.

Priyanka Chopra is also training and practising. She has hired a coach. I told her that she could ask me for any tip. She asked me what I wanted… what do I do when I am at home, how do I train. I told her that I love cooking and any kind of house chore

— Mary Kom on Priyanka Chopra who is training to play Mary in an upcoming biopic

Mary trivia

She has always loved everything that a girl loves... dresses, shoes, make-up. “I was really crazy for everything, but had no money…. Now because of my hard work, I can do anything. [‘Buy lipstick!’ says Onler] I buy lipstick. When I am at home, I don’t find time. Of course, in the camp, I am always putting nail polish. I have that much (gestures with her hand) nail polish! I like changing my nail colours. I want to look special. I have a lot of heels… three-inch, four-inch,” smiles Mary.

Mary loves watching serials! “I like to be busy, except when I am watching serials!” [‘Qubool Hai…’ Onler adds]

Text: Saionee Chakraborty

What is your message for Mary? Tell t2@abp.in