Mary Kom

“The truth is, the harder you fight, the sweeter are the rewards in the end.”

“You can't walk away from your responsibilities and commitments.”

“Winning the 2012 bronze medal was magnificent, but I would love to win a gold medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.”

“Without boxing, I can't live. I love boxing.”

“I had no support, no opportunity, no sponsors backing me for most of my career.”

“If I can achieve success, then anyone can.”

“I am blessed with a reasonable athletic talent and was an athlete in school.”

“The boys, they are laughing: 'Oh, you are boxing. Very funny.' But I always challenge when people are laughing - 'I'll show you one day.' After getting five times world champion, they are all quiet. And they respect me.”

“In a sportsperson's life, pressure is always there; you have to learn to deal with it.”

“I loved playing in the fields back home and racing with my fellow students on the way to school.”

“I miss my kids, and they miss me. It's very difficult, but I have to do it for my country and fulfill my dreams coming to the 2012 London Olympics.”

“A gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics is what I'm looking for. I have to pace my training in such a way that I'm at my best in Rio, and when I'm in form, no opponent can come in my way.”

“I can easily get a gold in the 48 kg. category, but 51 kg., it's difficult because other boxers may have a height advantage.”

“My dream is to produce thousand Mary Koms.”

“Like every other athlete, I always dreamt of playing at the Olympics, and it feels really good to see that dream materialize.”