Unbreakable: 8 key ideas
The core ideas of Unbreakable, each in under a minute, written in our own words. Want the full depth? Get the book.
- IDEA 1 OF 8
A farm childhood in Manipur
Mary Kom describes growing up in a poor farming family in the village of Kangathei in Manipur.
She helped her parents in the fields from a young age, and this hard work, she suggests, built the toughness she later needed in the ring.
- IDEA 2 OF 8
A local hero inspired her
Mary Kom describes how the success of Manipuri boxer Dingko Singh at the Asian Games inspired her to take up boxing.
At the time women's boxing was rare in India, but she was determined to try a sport where she felt strong.
- IDEA 3 OF 8
She kept boxing secret at first
Fearing her father's disapproval, Mary Kom trained without telling her family.
She describes how he learned about it from a newspaper report of her win, and how, after initial worry, her family eventually accepted her choice.
- IDEA 4 OF 8
Hard training brought world titles
Mary Kom recounts how she rose quickly through national competitions and went on to win several world championship titles.
She describes the long hours of training, the lack of facilities and the sacrifices her family made for her.
- IDEA 5 OF 8
Her husband became her partner
Mary Kom describes her marriage to Onler, who supported her career fully.
He took on much of the childcare and household work, which she presents as vital to her ability to keep competing at the highest level.
- IDEA 6 OF 8
Motherhood did not end her career
After giving birth to twin sons, many people expected Mary Kom to retire.
She describes returning to training and winning again, proving that motherhood and elite sport could go together.
- IDEA 7 OF 8
An Olympic medal crowned her journey
Mary Kom describes winning a bronze medal at the London Olympics in 2012, when women's boxing was included for the first time.
She had to move to a heavier weight category to compete, adding to the challenge.
- IDEA 8 OF 8
She hopes to open doors
Mary Kom writes about facing prejudice as a woman and as someone from the Northeast.
She hopes her story will encourage girls from small places to pursue their dreams, and she has started a boxing academy to support young athletes.
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