When I started boxing, people laughed at me and said, 'What can women do in boxing?' I took it as a challenge. If men can do it, why can't women? And I became a world champion before my marriage.Collection: Men
The truth is, the harder you fight, the sweeter are the rewards in the end.Collection: Truth
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.Collection: Respect
Looking back now, I realise that belonging to the family of a labourer actually helped to prepare my body for boxing. There were many times when my family didn't have enough food or warm clothing to go around. All this made me physically, as well as emotionally, tough.Collection: Food
If I can achieve success, then anyone can.Collection: Success
Watching boxer Dingko Singh's performance at the Asian Games, Bangkok, where he won gold, was the defining moment. I was 15 and enjoyed sports more than anything else. Singh's performance changed my life and inspired me to follow boxing.Collection: Sports
My normal weight category is 48 kg. So for the 51 kg. category, I had to depend on lots of food and drinks before going in for the weigh-in. But that does not make my strength, my muscles. It's a little bit different. If there's a 48 kg. category, it's a perfect fit for me.
I started athletics in 1999, throwing discus and shot put. I didn't tell my family when I started boxing.
I have been juggling so many roles. I am a mother, too. I have three sons to take care of. I don't even know how I manage to pull it off sometimes.
The incentive of a medal at the biggest sporting arena in the world is what drives me. Before I hang my gloves, I want to win the Olympic medal, and my performance at London will decide my future in the sport.
Like every other athlete, I always dreamt of playing at the Olympics, and it feels really good to see that dream materialize.
If you are good at something, and especially, if people who matter tell you that you are good enough, you must follow that sport.
It's a punishment game... only two boxers get in the ring. So when we get in the ring and we're not angry, then you're not a real boxer.
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.
Youngsters taking up boxing will get a lot of encouragement to do something for the country, seeing my laurels.
In Manipur, mostly the top player's family background is very poor. I also come from a poor family, so we have to do more hard work to get money and a better life.
I have a very fit body and have never faced any major injury problems. So yes, the secret to my success is my fit body.
I never told my parents that I was doing boxing. They only came to know after I became state champion and my name and picture came in the newspaper.
Winning the 2012 bronze medal was magnificent, but I would love to win a gold medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
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.
Never buy gold, simply earn itCollection: Gold
If I, being a mother of two, can win a medal, so can you all. Take me as an example and don`t give up.Collection: Mother