Mary Kom

New Delhi: Mangte Chungneijang Mary Kom won a tough contest against Kim Myong Sim of North Korea 4-3 to win the Asian Cup women’s boxing gold at Haikou, China, on Monday. But the Indian boxer fought a bigger battle, which was beyond the perimeter of the ring. Mary Kom, the boxer, was up against Mary Kom, the mother.

The world champion had her eyes fixed on her opponent — an Asian champion — but her mind must have wandered several times to a hospital in Chandigarh where her three-and-half-year-old son has been hospitalised.

According to Mary Kom’s husband, K. Onler Kom, their child, K. Khupneivar, who developed some heart problem, was admitted to the hospital a few days before she left for China, after attending the training camp in Patiala.

However, the mother of two showed great grit and character to overcome the odds and prove, once again, that she remains a cut above the rest.

“It was real hard time for us,” said Onler Kom. “Only a few days before she was to leave for China, the doctor told us to admit the child in a Chandigarh hospital. His mother was extremely reluctant to go, but I told her to perform the national duty.

“I told Mary to concentrate on her game as I am attending the child here. She was naturally upset and kept on calling me every few hours. Thankfully, our son is much better now,” he said.

“It was a tough fight, but I had to win,” an emotional Mary Kom said from Haikou. “I have always done well when I find myself under pressure,” she said.

Participating in the first tournament since her bronze medal win in the Guangzhou Asian Games last year, Mary Kom had booked a place in the final of her 48-kg weight division after drubbing Kate Appari of the Philippines in the semis.

Apart from winning five consecutive world titles, Mary Kom has four Asian gold medals and 11 national titles under her belt. She is also a recipient of Padma Shri, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award and Arjuna award.