MC MARY KOM, 29 Category: 51 kg Hails from: Manipur Sporting highs: Five-time world champion (2002, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010) Arjuna Award recipient (2004), Padma Shri (2006), Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (2009)

When she enters the ring, she has the guts to take on even King Kong,” says English coach Charles Atkinson, under whom MC Mary Kom is training for the London Olympics. “Respect her for everything she has given to the sport. She is more popular in England than in India.”
MC MARY KOM, 29 Category: 51 kg Hails from: Manipur Sporting highs: Five-time world champion (2002, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010) Arjuna Award recipient (2004), Padma Shri (2006), Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (2009)

With five world titles under her belt, Kom is an undisputed champion. But while those triumphs came in lower weight categories, in London, she will be competing in the 51 kg class. “The only difference between men and women’s boxing in India is the Olympic medal. I want to bridge that gap,” says Kom, currently training in Pune. “Ever since I won my first world title, I was waiting for women’s boxing to become part of the Olympics. Now that the time has come, I will fight to give India a moment to cherish.”
At the world championship held in May, the mother of two children lost in the quarter-finals, but was lucky enough to bag a ticket to London. “At times, a defeat is good for you, as it motivates you to train harder,” says Kom.