No PC, just MC: Crowds throng to see real Mary Kom in action

India's star woman boxer M C Mary Kom is not surprised at the crowd support for her at the Asian Games.

The sprightly 31-year-old acknowledges cheers from the stands and does not even mind being pushed around as her fans jostle with each other to get pictured with her.

The five-time world champion says she is used to seeing people flock to venues to watch her and understands that her stature has increased manifold after a Hindi commercial movie was made on her this month.

"I expected people to come and watch me compete," Mary Kom said without any hint of conceit. "I've been fortunate to have a fan following and understand that women in particular idolize me."

A huge group of Indian expatriates visit her at the Seonhak Gymnasium in what is a clear sign of her popularity, which she gained over the years after her first few world titles were largely ignored in India.

The fact that she is the mother of three only enhances her persona in a country where women are making fast progress in different walks of life and look up to her for inspiration.

"The movie has contributed to my popularity. But I'm still the same. I don't want celebrity status. I've got the love and support of people but I'd like to have my personal freedom rather than being thronged by a crowd at the market," Mary Kom said.

The film on Mary Kom brings out her early struggle at a remote village in a hilly part of the northeastern state of Manipur and the way she made a comeback after giving birth to twin sons, who are now seven.

Mary Kom had returned after a two-year hiatus to clinch her fourth world title at Ningbo City in China in 2008 and was given the sobriquet of "Magnificent Mary" by world body AIBA. She followed that with another world title.

But the return after giving birth to twins has not been the only comeback for Mary Kom. After winning a bronze at the London Olympics, Mary Kom gave birth to her third son, now 15 months, and made another comeback to international boxing.

However, it was not easy this time around.

Another boxer, Pinki Jangra was selected for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games after a selection bout which Mary Kom considers a farce.

"It was only politics that kept me out. But I'm not the one to give up," said Mary Kom, who won a selection bout again to earn a seat on the flight to Incheon.

"Making a comeback after giving birth to my third child was not easy. It was difficult to get 100 per cent fit," Mary Kom conceded.

"But I'm confident in international competitions because of the experience that I have. I'm also clear about one fact - never take anyone lightly. In boxing, one loss means you are out, so every bout has to be taken seriously," she added.

Shagun Saxena, 31, was among the many Indian expatriates at the Seonhak Stadium and shout "We love you Mary" as the boxer fought it out in the ring.

"There are other Indian boxers too who are good too," said Saxena. "But I loved the movie made on her and feel her popularity has increased several-fold after that. We've all come here to see her."

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