Actions speak louder than words: Mary Kom never boasted about herself; she let her performance in the ring speak. From helping her parents in jhum fields to winning a medal in every one of six world championships and an Olympic bronze, her achievements proved her worth. When she lost in the semi-final, she did not make excuses; she apologised to the nation. Her hard work, not her words, made her a legend.
Fortune favours the brave: Mary Kom showed courage in choosing boxing, a sport few Indian women dared to take up, coming from a poor family in rural Manipur. She was the only Indian woman boxer at the 2012 Olympics, went up a weight category and fought without her coach, yet she was confident and won a bronze. Her bravery brought her fame, awards and the love of the nation.