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.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of overcoming gender stereotypes and challenges in pursuing one's passion.
Mary Kom's quote reflects her journey in boxing, showcasing how she transformed initial ridicule into a motivating challenge. By questioning the societal norms that limit women's participation in sports, she underscores her determination to prove that women can achieve the same levels of success as men, which she successfully demonstrated by becoming a world champion.
In practice
In a speech about perseverance, one might quote Mary Kom to inspire young athletes.
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.
If I, being a mother of two, can win a medal, so can you all. Take me as an example and don`t give up.
If any man claims the Negro should be content... let him say he would willingly change the color of his skin and go to live in the Negro section of a large city. Then and only then has he a right to such a claim.
I like to say that the greatest handicap of deafness does not lie in the ear, it lies in the mind. I hope that through my example, such as my role on 'The West Wing,' I can help change attitudes on deafness and prove we can really do everything... except hear.
To cowards what advice shall I offer? - nothing whatsoever have I to say.
The human spirit is stronger than any government or institution.
If I'm at the front line and refuse to treat a patient, it's considered a crime. As a physician, this is my oath. I'm going to treat everyone regardless.
One isn't born with courage. One develops it by doing small courageous things-in the way that if one sets out to pick up a 100-pound bag of rice, one would be advised to start with a five-pound bag, then 10 pounds, then 20 pounds, and so forth, until one builds up enough muscle to lift the 100-pound bag. It's the same way with courage. You do small courageous things that require some mental and spiritual exertion.
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