New Delhi |13th October 2023 Mary Kom, the boxing czarina who has garnered numerous accolades for the nation and left an indelible mark on the sports landscape, has been awarded the prestigious Amrit Ratna honour. She graciously expressed her gratitude for this esteemed honor.

Speaking on the occasion of Amrit Ratna honored held by News18, she appreciated the government’s effort to bring the Women’s Reservation Bill and said, “The Woman Reservation Bill is a good case for all of us. I fully support it. This will give lots of opportunities to women. Every woman should feel proud to have such kind of support.

Elaborating on what drove her to success in the field of boxing, she added, “I have intense hunger for achieving anything in life. The endless hunger is a God-given quality inside me that drives me to achieve the goals in my life. Still at the age of 40, want to represent India and bring medals for the country.”

“I started my sports career at the age of 18. I worked hard to be fit for sporting events. I could lose a meal but cannot afford to miss practice sessions.”

Kom said that her father never told her to not join boxing because it caused bruises on her face, and added, “This is a rumor that my father had forbidden me from joining boxing. My biopic was spiced up with such a proposition. A sportsperson can feel hurt during the boxing session but it cold not deface the personality. It is totally wrong that a woman boxer cannot get married.”

Asked about her political experience as a Rajya Sabha member, she stated: “I am not made for politics as it is not my cup of tea. I do not have much knowledge about politics. However, I am thankful to the government that I was given the opportunity to serve the nation as a Rajya Sabha member. It was indeed a great honour to me.”

Commemorating the momentous occasion of the Amrit Mahotsav of Independence, the second edition of Amrit Ratna was elegantly orchestrated by News 18 India. The evening stood as an homage to luminaries whose substantial contributions have not only etched an enduring mark on the nation but have also been instrumental in steering its historical narrative.

The grand event witnessed the esteemed presence of eminent figures hailing from diverse domains, with a notable attendance of political stalwarts and Union ministers. Among the dignitaries were Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, Dr. Jitendra Singh, and Actress Kangna Ranaut to name a few. Sarod maestros Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash also graced the occasion.