Born in a small village in Manipur, Mary had a tough childhood; her parents were farm labourers and working and caring for her siblings was a part of her life. She was passionate about boxing and followed her passion despite all odds. 

Her efforts paid off, and she won the gold medal at the 1998 ‘Asian Games’. Her victory motivated her, and she decided to pursue her career as a professional boxer with her new enthusiasm- a decision to change her life. 

In 2016, she was nominated as a member of the ‘Rajya Sabha’ by the President of India. ‘The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports’ in 2017 appointed Mary as one of the National Observers for Boxing. 

She co-authored her autobiography, Unbreakable, with Dina Serto in 2014. Mary Kom (2014)), a film based on her autobiography, starring Priyanka Chopra was a huge success.