Unbreakable અનબ્રેકેબલ

by M.C. Mary Kom

અનબ્રેકેબલ - એમ. સી. મેરી કોમની આત્મકથા

Genres: Autobiography, Nonfiction, Biography, Sports, India, Memoir, Inspirational

172 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2013

Reviews

[Supratim · Rating 4 out of 5]

For those who don’t know who Mary Kom is – well, she is the Queen of the Indian Boxing Ring. She is the winner of five World Championships and an Olympic medal. She has won medals in other national and international championships as well.

I had heard about Mary Kom but really learnt a few things about her only after watching the movie based on her life.

When you read about people who have achieved something despite a multitude of obstacles then you realize how insignificant a lot of your own problems are.

Mary Kom is a real fighter. Life kept throwing obstacles after obstacles at her – abject poverty, social prejudice, nepotism, bureaucratic apathy, regionalism, racial discrimination; but the feisty lady knocked them out with her killer punches.

She was born in a family of landless agricultural labourers in Manipur and had a very tough childhood. Kudos to her parents who put in inhuman efforts to ensure that Mary and her siblings could attend school. Mary and her siblings would help in the hard physical labour. Mary would later credit their childhood struggles for providing her with strength and stamina required for boxing.

Mary’s struggle with poverty continued during the early years of her boxing career. Support from her parents, in-laws, husband, friends, relatives and at times strangers kept her going. At times her father would come in the way only to relent and support again. Others would have surrendered their dreams but Mary soldiered on fuelled by her passion and determination. There are many instances in the book which would show what sacrifices and deprivations she and her family had to endure.

Mary’s affair with her husband, Onler, is something out of a romantic movie. Onler has been a strong pillar of support for Mary – he gave up his studies and career so that he could take care of the children. The man even had to endure stinging remarks for his involvement in womanly activities such as household chores.

Slowly things would start looking up for Mary. She got sponsorships, a government job through sports quota (after much struggle), prestigious national sports and civilian awards often came with monetary benefits. Mary would also get the chance to rub shoulders with celebrities, corporate chiefs and be a brand ambassador.

All these helped Mary Kom alleviate her family’s poverty – she bought lands for her parents, kept her promise of buying them a car, took care of her siblings and also her extended family. Today Mary Kom also runs a boxing academy for underprivileged boys and girls – where all the expenses for food, lodging, equipments etc. come out of her own pockets. She has some sponsors and receives help from the Indian Army.

Mary’s life is a story of success but there are many other sportspersons (from non-cricket sports) in India who despite being talented never see success. They leave sports to find employment in often lowly menial jobs and live in abject poverty. Lack of sponsors, bureaucratic apathy, public indifference towards the sports all contribute to this.

Another thing I should mention is that there are some differences with the movie – some events shown in the movie are not written here. I wonder if these events were cooked up for the movie or Mary chose not to reveal them in the book. Who knows!!

My only criticism of the book is the writing – it is dry , I mean to say that it reads like a text book. It fails to connect. The book tells a very inspiring story of a woman who never bowed down to life’s pressures – it should have been told in a manner befitting the person, her grit, her determination.

I am giving the book a rating of 4 simply because it tells the story of this indomitable woman. Otherwise, I would have given it a rating of 2.5 or 3 at max.

If the writing was better I would have happily recommended the book to all. However, if the book appeals to you, you can give it a try. The book is 150 odd pages long and can be read pretty quickly.

[Anbukarasan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sanahen @ Mangte Chungneijang Mary Kom

A humble narration from one of the world's best boxing champion of times of her personal life from ordinary unexplored territories to the heights of sports.

[Meghaditya Roy Chaudhury · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I was not always recognized as Indian in my own country. Because of our oriental looks, people from Northeast are often mocked in other parts of India. We're called Nepalis, or Chinkies, and people call us names ... Whether or not I look 'Indian', I am an Indian and I represent India, with pride and all my heart."

In a country where cricketers are worshipped as sportsmen and other sports are only ignored, M.C.Mary Kom pursued her seemingly unachievable dream of becoming a world-class female boxer and succeeded in it too. Despite her financial odds, politics in the associations and occasional strokes of bad luck, she held on to her goal and made her way. The book was truly an inspiring read.

[Khurram · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story, of a great person and athlete. Mary Kom's struggles and successes are truly inspirational. The language is simple which is understandable as English is not even her second language. Mary very openly talks about the sacrifice her and her family had to make, and is thankful for everyone who has helped her. Also how appreciative she is for every award. Being an Asian I know how obsessed India is about cricket and in their eyes if you are not a cricket or hockey player you are not considered real athlete. Add to the fact that she is a woman from a poor background I cannot even imagine what she had to endure to prove herself. The bottom line is she did it, and truly changed not people's but Indian society's opinions. That has to be classed as her greatest victory.

The only reason I did not give this book 5 stars is because of the details about the fights and training. I think this book could have been double or triple the length of she talked about specific drills or training she went through. Says things like "I cycled 20km did my chores then attended training", but now what she did in training. Also her fights she tells us the results "I won the match 24:4 points", but she does not describe a blow or the experience of being in the ring which would be the most exciting part for a contact sports fan like me. I do understand this is not what she was trying to express in this book, but how hard work, and sacrifice made her a success and a role model which she undoubtedly is. Her unbreakable will outside the ring, but I would have like to hear about her in-ring mentality as well.

A great success story, of overcoming obstacles, following and breaking traditional thinking yet with honour and keeping yourself grounded and humble despite incredible success.

[Sheetal Maurya - Godse (Halo of Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Kom, I think there is nobody who doesn’t know who she is. She is a five-time world-champion boxer and mother of three sons. She is the inspiration for millions of Indians. Her life has been presented in the movie but I wanted to read this autobiography to know her life from her voice.

You may read full review on my blog Unbreakable: an Autobiography by M.C. Mary Kom- Book review

Chungneijang was an ordinary girl who lives in the remote village of Manipur. She is the eldest daughter in the family. Chungneijang’s parents were landless labor and they worked very hard to feed their family.

Chungneijang was a tomboyish type of girl who always protects her siblings. She loved to play but doesn’t get time as she has to work with her father on the farm. During school, she dreamt to go into the sports and get a government job through sports quota and support her family.

But sport training doesn’t come free. Chungneijang and her family worked very hard to meet the need of her sports ambition. This was the time when she changed her name from Chungneijang to Mary. She desired to go into boxing, but boxing was not famous during that time and it comes with various taboos for girls. But Mary chose to fight against the odds.

Mary goes through from various sports academy and won several medals for the country. During one such time, she met Onler and soon they became husband and wife. Her father opposed this marriage saying that marriage will put a full stop on her career. Opposite to all of the assumption, Onler always put Mary and her ambition first. Mary writes that ‘People refer to Onler as ‘Mary’s husband’, but I know that behind Mary’s success, there is Onler.’

Soon Mary got pregnant and delivered two baby boys through cesarean. While the operation, boxing was the only thing was in her mind.

After the babies, people thought that Mary’s career is finished but she proved all of them wrong after winning silver medal at the 2008 Asian Women’s Boxing Championship in India and a fourth successive gold medal at the AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championship in China, followed by a gold medal at the 2009 Asian Indoor Games in Vietnam. In this book, she has also pointed the partiality she had faced and also written how our sports ministry should help players.

This is the Mary Kom a simple girl from Manipur who becomes the world champion boxer by her efforts and dedication. There cannot be any one like her. Currently, she is running a boxing academy without any cost.

This book should be read by each and every individual, to know about the Mary Kom, to know her struggle as well as to get an inspiration from her.

[Tavleen Kaur (Travelling Through Words) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was inspiring, informative and enjoyable to read. I think we all can take something away from her story especially how she started in a poor household and made her way up all because of her exceptional hard-work. Books like these made us realize how privileged we are and how its not impossible to achieve our dreams no matter how high they are. Also, I'm not much into sports so I really liked learning about this field.

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 5 out of 5]

💁Been reading this autobiography the whole day today!

I have always wanted to read this autobiography and today out of nowhere I just went through my entire book collection to read something and yes, this book told me it's high time I read it!

This is my second sports related autobiographical read, the first being Sachin Tendulkar's (he's like my human god!)

The book has been written so well, so precise and well-planned I say.
A very good but an underrated book. It does well what it meant to: motivated me to reach up to my highest potential!
I didn't know I needed to read this book today but I soon came to realise why we look up to such few people who are winners.

This book told me exactly what made Mangte Chungneijang Mary Kom a winner she is today.

This autobiography is exactly what I want an autobiography to be. In just 152 pages devided into 17 chapters, it tells about how Mary Kom grew up; what hardships she had to face throughout her life; difficult but memorable sweet childhood days; the responsibilities she had to bear as the oldest child; how she decided to take up boxing; the laborious training she had to undergo since the very beginning; the various people who made her the person she is today and the pride, joy and regrets she goes through this entire journey.

I love the chapter 'Onler and I' so much. It's so unromantic romantic 😍

You will come to know a great deal about Manipur, boxing and how the endless support of your family play a crucial role in making a strong, independent woman like Mary Kom.

This book has outlived my expectations. It's short but it has everything I wanted to learn. I teared up many times while learning about how helpless she felt at times when things went against her. But nevertheless, I needed someone as strong as her to tell her story and not just the titles or the awards she has won so far.

So proud of you, Mary Kom!

[Rishi Prakash · Rating 4 out of 5]

The most celebrated boxer of our country speaks here about her life, her struggle and the way to all those accolades which she earned over all these years.

"Nothing is impossible” is the apt phrase that sums up the inspiring story of the Olympic Bronze medal winner and unprecendented five time world championship winner Mangte Chungneijang Mary Kom. A one woman’s war against the overwhelming forces of life and her victory, in fact one after another in the ring and outside is one hell of an inspiring story which puts it right up there among the biggest icons of our country.

The 30-year-old Champion belongs to a tiny tribe of Kom which is currently numbered at a miniscule 30,000 and that is how her name has "Kom" in it. The tribe is at the bottom of the many communities in Manipur today in social and economical status which further throws light on her determination and single minded focus.

The book narrates her entire life right from the time she remembers to the current stage when she is a mother of three and dreaming for another Olympic medal in 2016.

A must read for all who face all kind of difficulty and challenges in their lives; for all the things we often crib, despite the comforts we have, this book puts us to rethink and wonder if we really should complain...

[Ritika · Rating 2 out of 5]

*Rating doesn't in anyway judges the struggle and life of Mary Kom, but just the writing, the flow and hold of it.
As far as the life of Mary Kom is concerned, it's an inspiring story which shows how nothing is impossible.

[Rishika S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unbreakable is the first autobiography I have read, and to be very honest, the writing style takes some getting used to. There are many things about the book itself that doesn't add much to its rating. It is quite haphazardly written, in that it doesn't follow any real chronological sequence of events. While you get to read a lot about the many competitions and events of which Mary Kom was a part, it doesn't follow a dateline, making it a tad confusing to really understand her list of achievements. However, that doesn't make them any less impressive. Then there is the fact that it mentions many names out of nowhere, only to address some of them at a later stage, and leave many of them unheard of again. This kind of leaves you with a feeling of wanting more, and all these points were the reasons I would have given this book a 3 or 3.5 rating.

But what pushes that to a well deserved 4 star rating is the story of Mary Kom itself. As you get used to the writing style and read on, you see a person forming through all the information that you receive - a person who followed her heart and triumphed in many ways in the face of insurmountable odds. What really takes you in is the true from the heart feeling that the book gives you. It is an unabashed, all holds bared telling of Mary Kom's life. She discloses all her desires, what makes her push on, what gave her courage when things seemed impossible, and even touches on the things she fears, her weaknesses, and her failures - all told from her heart. But the best thing about the book is her open and unconditional love for the man who became her husband and support, her children who became her strength, and her family who stood by her in the bleakest and brightest of times. Mary Kom openly expresses her gratitude to every person, however small or big their contribution may be to her success, and that makes the book a truly inspirational read.

I recommend Unbreakable to anyone who faces a difficult time, however small or large that hurdle may be, and to everyone who has a goal of any kind. The book teaches you the many principles and a way of thinking that makes the impossible seem possible, and can go a long way in making you push beyond the odds. Because, at the end of it all, Mary Kom's story will make you believe in your own willpower and in the ability to get that at which you set your heart - just as she did, and continues to do every day.

[Anil Swarup · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, sweet and inspiring. It is another riveting story of someone rising to stardom from nowhere. The narration is simple, reflecting the persona of the author. The story has already inspired a lot of sportspersons all over the country but more so from the North-East. What is really remarkable is the grit and tenacity of Mary Kom that takes her to the summit. She had everything going against her. She was a woman, born in a poor family that could barely make both ends meet and from a strife torn state in the North-Eastern part of the country. She was aspiring to be in a sport that was the preserve of men. Yet she made it. Despite all odds.

[Indiabookstore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Doesn’t Mary Kom's look all warm and happy? Medals, fame and a Bollywood movie based upon you. However, only a few people know the pains Mary underwent to reach such dizzying heights of success. Read full review here.

[Rohan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unbreakable by M.C. Mary Kom could have been the story of any woman living in rural India. For a majority of Indian women, life is a struggle – a struggle to follow their dreams, a struggle to assert their rights, a struggle to make ends meet. What sets her apart is the sheer grit with which she faces every hurdle, and her determination to not let her struggle go in vain.
Mangte Chungneijang Mary Kom is a woman who has worked really hard to distinguish herself as an achiever. A five time World Boxing Champion, she is the only woman boxer to have won a medal in each one of the six world championships. At the London Olympics 2012 , the first time women’s boxing was introduced as an Olympic sport, she won a bronze.
Unbreakable traces Mary Kom’s life from the time she was born, to her sojourn at the 2012 London Olympics. Born in a small village in Manipur, in a family primarily dependent on farming, her attempts to study despite the house-work and farm-work is a story many young Indian girls will identify with. She describes how she discovered her passion for boxing, her initial days of training, even going into details of the politics among sports bodies, both at state and national level. Anecdotes about each of her five World Champion medals are tightly woven with incidents in her personal life – her shift to Delhi, falling in love, marriage, the birth of her children, loss of a parent. The book highlights the maternal side of her as well; her agony at having to part from her children during the long training camps, spending her breaks setting the house in order; making her come across as no different than most other working women of her age. The 12 pages of photographs from her personal and professional life make you feel as if you have known her all your life.
What makes the book a winner is the short and crisp narration. The 140 pages book is clear, to-the-point and full of action, much like her punches. Autobiographies, if not handled well, tend to turn into a rant, but there is not a single dull minute in her narrative. By the end of the book, you feel like giving a standing ovation to this woman who is a role model for millions of women who do not have the means, yet have the dreams and the will to strive for them.

[Ankit Saxena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Man!! What an amazing read was that?

Touched my heart to the fullest. The life of Mary Kom (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Kom) in itself a very big inspiration. The struggle she went through was completely motivational. And the way she depicted the same in her Auto-Biography is worth reading.

Starting from scratch and touching the Sky was not easy for everyone. She in herself has proved that she is no less than a Legend. Winning Gold all-over in all the Championships resembles her victorious mindset to gain every sort of achievement. List of her National and International title wins in Boxing field is not so short to remember for anyone in one shot but for her it was just a milestone that she already crossed towards her Destiny.

For me it deserves: 5.0/5.0 without any Doubt.

[Rohit Kumar]

Amazing. Great. But... There is something shady about this whole thing. How come Manipur has such developed sports infrastructure when practically it lacks even roads. Things progress in steps. Roads are somewhere in the very beginning, sports academies come way later. And then there is a European Manipur association?? That's more shady than the term shady itself.

Seems deliberate, because sports give more chances for fame. And Manipur and north eastern states being famous helps the narrative when they want to portray India as a hostile state.

And she mentioned how she feels alienated in India because we call them chinky but with his coach Charles she felt at home because both are Christians??

[Arjun · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring story of a real-life heroine who made it big from nowhere and achieved her lifetime dream of winning an Olympics medal (2012 London Olympics Bronze). As Mary looks back, it is evident how much the "Kom" community played a huge role in shaping her successes.

Being an Indian, it is commendable how Mary was able to bring awareness of the general public to the any sport besides cricket (let alone the fascinating sport of Women's boxing).

Mary's is a a great success story, of overcoming obstacles, of holding oneself to the highest standards and not letting society dictate the ceilings of one's ambitions.She truly epitomizes the epithet "You sow what you reap".

[Shubham srivastava · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not rating this book or the writing 5 star but I am rating 5 star to the real story of M.C. MARY KOM.
This is not any fiction story of someone who rose from nothing to the 5 time World champion and Olympic medalist. While reading this one must keep this in mind all the time. This is a story of ordinary girl who became extraordinary in simple words with no extra drama no fancy worlds and in my opinion this is the best thing about this book that while reading the book one will feel that in some plain night Mary is telling her story and reader is just listening to it. This book can inspire anyone who really want to get inspire and do something.
P.S.- if you have already watched the movie on her and liked then don't read the book because you will feel cheated by the movie.

[Dhruv Sharma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written and I really enjoyed reading it.

This book is really inspiring. There are so many lessons which we can learn from her life. She has not lived a privileged life but still, she manages to fight all the odds and fulfilled her dream.

No doubt she has suffered a lot and sacrificed a lot but the way she embarked on the positive way is something must learn. This book is very pleasant to read as I also learned about the culture of north-east. 

Mary is the iron-lady and there is no one who can challenge her, even her unplanned pregnancy was not able to stop her.

This book should be read by each and every individual.

[Nandhu · Rating 5 out of 5]

A big salute to Mary Kom .Amidst a lot of difficulties, she has created an identity for herself. Very inspiring and motivating. I learnt a lot from this book. :)
#NeverEverGiveUp

I highly recommend everyone to read this book.

[Janakan Manivannan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Generic. Don't do justice to an icon like Mary Kom.

[Roshan Naik · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read for someone pursuing boxing.

[Prabhat sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbreakable- An Autobiography- Mary Com with Dena Serto- Prologue- Journey from Kangathei to Imphal, Manipur State. Indian boxing legend begins her autobiography in a humble way. Dena Serto has helped the author to scribe her story in words that I feel it is better to quote the effective paragraphs from each chapter.

Prologue- Quote ‘My years of relentless labour, hard work, the refusal to give up, pushing every boundary I encountered. The thrill, the joy of fighting and winning, all my successes. Boxing, the sport I gave myself to. And the bronze medal from the 2012 London Olympics, my most prized possession. It is all real. All of it. I was the David who took on the Goliaths in the boxing ring – and I won, most of the time.”

Chapter 1- And then I was born- Quote- of it. I was the David who took on the Goliaths in the boxing ring – and I won, most of the time. have been any different. At least in hindsight. Not at all. Because I realize that the hardships, I faced in my formative years are the foundation of my strength. I am tough because of my background. They made me who I am today. They gave me the strength to keep fighting. Indeed, they made me want to fight in the first place.”

She is the daughter of a landless labour. The family has worked hard to raise the children and finance the dreams of children.

Chapter 2- All work and no play- Kangathei is her adopted village. The nearest town is Moirang, which is the nearest town. Moirang is significant for many reasons. It’s close to the famous Loktak lake; it is a place of stories and folk tales and of much local history; it is where the Meiteis celebrate their famous Lai Haroaba festival; it is a meeting place for all the Koms from the neighbouring villages. It is where people gather to sell their vegetables and other produce, and where they go to buy household necessities. For all of these reasons, it is the place where people from different communities can meet and connect.”

My first school was the Loktak Christian Model High School, run by a Presbyterian mission in Moirang. It was one of the town’s best schools. My father had kept small sums of money aside from Moirang. It was one of the town’s best schools. My father had kept small sums of money aside from he secured admission for me there.”

In the Kom society of those days, boys were given preference when it came to education. Most people believed that, since a girl would get married and go away to her husband’s home, there was little point in spending money educating them. But not my dad – he wanted his first-born to be the first in the family to pass class x. I used to walk to school every day – a one-hour trek one way into town. I remember vaguely that Mother accompanied me for a few months, and then I was left to go on my own with friends from the village. There were leeches in the wet rice fields, even the occasional water snakes. The leeches I’d pull off with my hands, and a well-aimed stone would knock out the snakes.”

It’s another matter that, at the end of all this, we could not always pay our school fees on time – something that embarrassed us greatly. We were not allowed to enter the classroom or sit for exams when this happened. Anu tried her best to save us these unpleasant experiences, saving and scrimping as much as she could. God-fearing and hardworking, my mother is the strongest person I know.” over from the day’s lunch. Sometimes not even that.

I didn’t care that my shoes were patched up, or that my uniform was crushed. For me, school was a chance to play with friends and learn things that my parents couldn’t teach me. Still, I was a mediocre student. Every day, mother would give me 50 paise as tiffin money, with which I bought small packets of dried fruits, channa and Moreh pickles. At home, the only food available was whatever was left that grew behind the old church and eat my fill of ripe guavas after school. In fact, my family and I often quelled our hunger with the seasonal fruits that grew in the village.”

After my class six exams, I was shifted to St Xavier’s School, also in Moirang. I don’t remember why I made the move. My brother was at Xavier’s, and perhaps my parents wanted us to be in the same school.

Chapter 3- Play too was hard work- As the days and months passed, Apa gradually began to accept my fierce passion for sport. He began enquiring about the best options available, so he could send me for further training. He wanted to find a way to indulge me without disturbing my school and studies.

The most significant lesson I learnt was one Apa taught me: of the dignity of hard labour and honesty.

The house was not very far from the training centre. I cooked my own meals there – more often than not, just one meal, because I was so absorbed with my training. L. Sarita Devi was one of the girls who stayed with me. Generally, we were all quite busy, so there wasn’t the sort of time to socialize with friends as there might be in a girls’ hostel. I preferred to do my own cooking and provide for myself, which also ensured that I could live within my own budget. After some time, Sarita moved out but I stayed on, because the rent was cheap and about as much as I could afford.”

In fact, every now and then, I overworked myself, not knowing that it would have an adverse effect on my health. All I wanted to do was prove that being young, a girl and small-statured would not keep me back.

In just three months, I had trained under three coaches. All of these coaches enriched my game and my insight into it. They must have done something right, for in my very first State Championships, I defeated Humbi in the finals; she had been one of my coaches when I first started boxing at SAI.

I single-handedly fought my way through these hurdles. I had no one to favour me so I proved my worth through my performances alone. Khoibi Sir acknowledged this later, once I started winning. He said that my ability was God-gifted. I functioned like a computer in the ring, he said, forward, backward, clockwise and anti-clockwise in complete command of the space.

The first time I stepped out of Manipur was for the Seventh East India Open Boxing Championships in Bengal. It was held at the South Kolkata Physical Culture Association in December 2000.

But the trip to Chennai was historic for me in one other way: it was the first time I travelled by train. I had expected the train to be bigger and cleaner, like in the movies. That was a disappointment. Besides, we were travelling without reservations, so we had to sit near the toilets. It was only later that I discovered that trains do have first-class and air-conditioned compartments. But back then, we had no money, so all of us travelled by the cheapest option. At least we were all together and that was fun.

Her money was stolen from her luggage.

While travelling to Hissar for training camp, her money and passport were stolen. Her parents and friends and relatives helped her get a new passport and financial assistance and travel of Bangkok where she was defeated.

I had been praying earnestly all this while, of course, trying to find a way to calm my anxiety. In the course of those prayers I had thought about the talisman father had given me. His friends had given it to him and told him that it would ward off evil and protect me. I had tied it around my arm to please him. It occurred to me now that believing in charms was contradictory to our faith, so I took it off and threw it away. I decided instead to believe in God. It may sound strange to you, my readers, especially those of you who have never been believers, but ever since I threw that talisman away, my run of bad luck ended.

Chapter 4- My first International medal- My first International medal- Soon after the Bangkok championship, I was selected in the 48-kg category for the International Boxing Association (originally the Association Internationale de Boxe Amateur, or the AIBA) World Women’s Boxing Championships in Pennsylvania, USA, in November–December 2001. My father managed to collect only Rs 2,000 for my trip. I was both upset and very worried because I’d heard of how expensive things were in America. But there was nothing my parents or I could do. I spoke to Onler about my problem. He invited a few students and elders from our community and organized a meeting to discuss ways to raise money for the trip. Pu. Lalkhomang, president of the Kom-Rem Union, Manipur, was visiting Delhi then and was present at the meeting. He suggested that the students should meet the two members of Parliament (MPs) from Manipur and seek their help. They did just that. The two MPs – Holkhomang Haokip and Choaba Singh – donated Rs 5,000 and Rs 3,000 respectively and I suddenly had Rs 10,000 in my hands. With this princely sum, and a little more that had been collected from the community, I left for US. I felt like this would be the place, the event, that would change my life. I felt more confident. I kept telling myself, ‘I can face anyone in the ring.’ In the quarter-final, I defeated Nadia Hokmi of Poland by RSC (Referee Stopped Contest – applicable if the referee feels one of the boxers is inferior to the other and risks getting hurt badly), and in the semi-final, I defeated Jamie Behl of Canada 21–9. I reached the finals, but lost to Hula Sahin of Turkey 13–5.

The greatest disadvantage for me was my loss of appetite. I was not accustomed to the food there. Try as I might, I could not eat the food and I started to lose weight. So much so that just before the finals I was only 46 kg. This is probably what cost me my dream of winning gold and I was very disappointed. I went to my room and cried.

Back home the media was not even remotely interested in the fact that an Indian had won the silver in the first edition of a world championship event. Women’s boxing was at a nascent stage and was yet to attract fans or critics.

On my return, however, the Kom-Rem Students’ Union and other members of my community in Delhi gave me a warm welcome at the airport. Back in Imphal, I was greeted with garlands and the drum beats and dancing.

The medal certainly helped our finances in a big way. The Sports Ministry announced a cash award of Rs 9 lakh. It’s another matter that it took almost a year before Uma Bharati, the sports minister at the time, finally handed the cheque to me at a function in Delhi.

The first thing I did with the prize money was to buy a paddy field for Apa. He would no longer be a landless farmer in an agricultural society. Our family celebrated with a Thanksgiving feast. I then set aside money for the education of my brother and sister. They had been denied a lot to make my dream possible and it was only fair that I repay them. The cheque might have been for me, in acknowledgement of my achievements, but my boxing career wasn’t just about me, it was about my whole family. We were in it together in every way.

Chapter 5- Onler and I-

Chapter 5- Onler and I- I had been away from home for two years by now. As supportive as my parents had been, they were simple folk. I often wished for someone I could turn to for It was at such a time that I met Onler Kom, and though I didn’t know it then, it was a meeting that support and guidance when things got complicated or lonely – personally as well as professionally. I was spending more and more time away from home. Very often, I couldn’t return even for Christmas. It was a sacrifice I was willing to make, but it did get lonely. My only friends were from the world of boxing. I had given up my studies for the sport. The only languages I knew were Manipuri and my own Kom language. Outside Manipur, I became acutely conscious of my inability to communicate effectively in either Hindi or English. It was at such a time that I met Onler Kom, and though I didn’t know it then, it was a meeting that would change my life completely. I was in Delhi during a training session in 2000 when Onler and a friend of his came to see me. He was President of Kom Rem Student’s Union in Delhi and simple folk. I often wished for someone I could turn to for It was at such a time that I met Onler Kom, and though I didn’t know it then, it was a meeting that support and guidance when things got complicated or lonely – personally as well as professionally. I was spending more and more time away from home. Very often, I couldn’t return even for Christmas. It was a sacrifice I was willing to make, but it did get lonely. My only friends were from the world of boxing. I had given up my studies for the sport. The only languages I knew were Manipuri and my own Kom language. Outside Manipur, I became acutely conscious of my inability to communicate effectively in either Hindi or English. I had been away from home for two years by now. As supportive as my parents had been, they were simple folk. I often wished for someone I could turn to for support and guidance when things got complicated or lonely – personally as well as professionally. I was spending more and more time away from home. Very often, I couldn’t return even for Christmas. It was a sacrifice I was willing to make, but it did get lonely. My only friends were from the world of boxing. I had been away from home for two years by now. I had given up my studies for the sport. The only languages I knew were Manipuri and my own Kom language. Outside Manipur, I became acutely conscious of my inability to communicate effectively in either Hindi or English. At that juncture, she met Onler Kom. He was pursuing law and was President of Kom-Rom Student’s Union. Onler helped and guided her. There was age difference between them. He proposed to her. She thought over and ultimately agreed. In Kom community, for traditional marriage the bridegroom has to visit his in-laws house and prepare tea for them and ask for the hand of their daughter. Onler attempted but her parents did not agree. They informed that their daughter is young and she is pursuing the gaol of boxing seriously. Mary requested her parents to accept the proposal. Reluctantly, they agreed. Among Kom’s marriage ceremony is celebrated in groom’s house. She was married to Onler at the Manipur Baptist Convention Church, one of the biggest churches in Imphal. Chapter 6 – Back to work- Mary was offered the job of a Sub-Inspector by Government of Manipur. She accepted. Salary was Rs.15000/- She continued to win medals for the nation at various national and international boxing events. Coloured Photographs in the book are charimong and they help the reader to continue to read Chapter 7- The Other face of Manipur-The Other face of Manipur- After Christmas, Onler’s father was kidnapped and killed by Militant group. Onler wanted to take revenge. Chapter 8- Mary came to know that she was pregnant. This news brought a positive change in Onler, his wish for revenge subsided. Twins were born of cesarean operation. Names were given to both her sons.

[Allwin Jeba · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Magnificent Mary

This is an autobiography of India's most celebrated women boxer Mary Kom. She carved a career out for her. From humble beginings to highest honor, Mary has seen it all. The book reads more like a self help book than a real autobiography. She goes in depth to explain her poverty and the sacrifies her near and dear made to give her an opportunity to be what she is today.
Her husband is a real hero, Mary had all the fame. Under her shadows he did everything he promised and more. No body talks about her husband, but yes he is the real hero.
Again, as an autobiography she seldom talks about any boxing techniques or stratergies. I was expecting her to explain cetain bouts technically. Like how the opponent threw a right and she blocked with left high and threw a right hook. Or her favorite upper right etc. Or even when she was hurt and she did something to come out and win the bout. But none of those details exist.
She just mentions the tournoment name and gives the round score and the result if she won or not. Over and over again. Atleast she could have explained her final bout in olympics. But nope.

Having said that, Mary has a remarkable story and lesson for everyone.
She has made India proud on multiple occasions and all the best for Olympics 2016!

[Soumyajit Pradhan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just finished reading,
Unbreakable: An Autobiography by MC Mary Kom

Inspiring to the core, it's a direct, no-holds barred, empathy-laced account of Mary Kom's unparalleled sporting journey, perhaps reflective of her style of boxing, as she describes herself: bop-bop-bop. Ha! Her unswerving dedication to family, community, friends and fellow boxers is praiseworthy and she never misses an opportunity to acknowledge their support with all humility. And yes, not to forget her matter of fact self-belief in her talent and unbeatable tenacity.

I wish you Magnificent Mary, all the very best for your Gold Quest of 2016 Olympics and your laudable dream ventures in boxing, self defense and community development!

She is special. She is an icon. She is a fighter.
I look forward to the movie.

[Pooja · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have only read cricket autobiographies and this was a heartfelt read, especially as it is a women sportsperson. It also gives great insight about the people of NorthEast which a whole other part of India. A short read leading up to her Olympic win and written from her heart. Though not a wizard with words she is pro at boxing and an excellent role model. Humbling read.

[Sankalpita (bookGeeks India) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pursuing professional sports in India is a daunting job and that job becomes even more difficult when the gender in question is the fairer sex. Women sports in India are still treated as a joke...........

Read the full review here - http://bookgeeks.in/entries/autobiogr...

[Aravinthan ID · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good motivational biography...

[Sudeeran Nair · Rating 4 out of 5]

My life is my message: nothing is impossible..

[Nidhi Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for anyone coming from a humble background aiming to achieve new heights.

[Nirusha Shetty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great Story....but writing could have been better.