The truth is, the harder you fight, the sweeter are the rewards in the end.
I look like I'm Chinese or Thai or Japanese - very different.
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.
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.
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.
At school, my favourite subject was social studies.
I had no support, no opportunity, no sponsors backing me for most of my career.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Winning the 2012 bronze medal was magnificent, but I would love to win a gold medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
I loved playing in the fields back home and racing with my fellow students on the way to school.
If I can achieve success, then anyone can.
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.
I learned my weaknesses at the Asian Games and other competitions where I lost. My guard was down.
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.
In a sportsperson's life, pressure is always there; you have to learn to deal with it.
I am blessed with a reasonable athletic talent and was an athlete in school.
