His death hurts more than any of the blows I endured: Mary Kom

Mary Kom tells Rituraj Borkakoty why Ali was her greatest inspiration

Muhammad Ali is no more. I don't know where to begin today because it's one of the saddest days of my life. It has to be when you realize that your greatest hero is gone. And it's hurting me more than the any of the blows I endured in the ring.
The reasons are simple for that. Muhammad Ali was the reason I became a boxer.
Youngsters naturally look up to icons and Ali was our sport's biggest icon, not just because what he did in the ring, but for what he did outside the ring as well.
When I dreamed of becoming a boxing champion in my early days in Manipur, I would often watch videos of his legendary bouts.
I was in awe of his technique and style. He was so unique in everything he did.
Of course, I tried to copy his style. I tried very hard only to realize that it was impossible to copy him. Probably no one could ever box the way he did. But I learned a lot by watching his old matches. Yes, my coaches helped me and taught me everything, but I learned so much more by watching Ali. He was like an institution. Not just for me, but for boxers all over the world!
In my own career, I didn't become a champion overnight. I had to work so very hard for every win. There were days that were tough to cope with mentally. To motivate myself in such tough times, I used to read the inspirational stories about him and watch his matches where he had to defend all the time before going for the kill.
So, Ali taught me to never give up even in the most difficult of times.
I know there have been so many legendary boxers, but Ali was in a league of his own. I think his personality was such that he drew people to him like a magnet.
One of my biggest regrets in my life is that I never got a chance to meet him. I dreamed of meeting him ever since I was a child because, you know, I was such a big fan. But, unfortunately, it never happened even after I became an international boxer. So that's something I have to live with for the rest of my life.
Now I have my own boxing academy in Manipur. I often make my young students watch Ali's matches. I tell them that they could learn so much by just watching him. And yes, I tell them not to copy him because I had failed in my own attempt!
Today, he is gone. We will all go one day, but champions like him will always remain in people's hearts.
He inspired me when I was young. He is still inspiring the young boxers today and he will remain an inspiration forever and ever.