INCHEON, South Korea (AP) 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.