You have the power
“You better sit down or you will fly away, Miss Matchstick.” That was Rahul, teasing his nine-year old, younger sister, Vaishali.

Their parents frowned and Vashali’s eyes filled with tears, ready to spill. She nearly fell into the empty seat, jerked by the swaying Metro.

Rahul and Vaishali were on a sight-seeing tour of Kolkata.

“That is exactly how I used to be teased,” remarked a kind voice. Vaishali looked up into a face, that she had seen before—on the sports page of newspapers.

“Mary Kom,”gasped her brother, in wonder. “We are on a train with an Olympic boxer!”

Vaishali just stared, hardly able to believe her eyes.

“I was mocked by everyone. As a child when I wanted to play with boys, they pushed me off, ‘Go away! You are a girl,’ they said.”Mary continued.

“So how did you become a boxer?” Vaishali asked.

“Well, I decided to prove to everyone that I could do everything that boys did. I felt that the sports field was the best place to prove myself to the world. I chose to excel at boxing, which had been very much a sport for boys and men, till then.”

“And what did your parents and other people say about that?” Rahul was curious.

“My parents were happy. We were a poor, tribal family and my parents worked in the fields but they wanted me to succeed. But many people laughed and mocked me for wanting to be a boxer.”

“So how did you feel?” whispered Vaishali.

“It only made me more determined to reach my goal. I kept my mind strong, and boxed day and night. At first it was very painful. My body ached and I would cry at night. But when I won my first medal, I knew that if you work hard enough, nothing can stop you. ”

“You became the world champ five times and then won the medal at the Olympic Games in 2012,” recited Rahul.

“Did you know that I had to put on weight for the Olympics? And 2012 was the first time that Women’s Boxing was a part of the Games at the London Olympics. I won the bronze medal and was the only Indian woman to enter this event.”

The Metro announcer called out the next station.
“Oh! That’s my station,” exclaimed Mary.“Remember, it is you who has the power. Wish you all the best! Good bye.”
Mary stepped out.

The four of them were silent for some time. Then Vaishali declared, “I am going to be a boxer! Dad, will you take me to gym with you, once we get back? I am going to practise boxing.”

Dad smiled, “Of course, Vaishali.”

“Yes Sis. I will also practise with you. I am sure you will become a great boxer like Mary,” Rahul added.

“I will.” Vaishali’s eyes shone.

“Now my two champs, let me quiz you about our famous Mary Kom. Do you know which Indian state is her home?”
Rahul and Vaishali racked their brains for the answer.

What about you? Do you know it?