'He Was Not The Man I Believed Him To Be': Legendary Boxer Mary Kom Opens Up On "painful" Divorce

Mary Kom Divorce: Indian boxing legend Mary Kom has opened up about a period in her life that she describes as the worst she has ever experienced. This period included a painful divorce, financial difficulties, and constant public humiliation. Mary Kom said she felt compelled to speak out now because her silence was being misinterpreted.

What did Mary Kom say?

Talking to the media, Mary Kom said, "What does all that I have achieved even mean?" 

She explained that despite a career filled with numerous global achievements, this period broke her from within. The six-time world champion and Olympic bronze medallist revealed that the crisis began after an injury sustained before the 2022 Commonwealth Games. She was bedridden for several months and later had to use a walker. During this time, she was forced to confront truths she had long ignored.

"Everything was fine as long as I was competing and had very little involvement in my finances. But after the injury before the 2022 Commonwealth Games, I realized I was living a lie," she said.

Why did Mary Kom decide to go for a divorce?

Mary Kom revealed that during this period, she lost trust in her husband, Karung Onkholer, with whom she had been married for over two decades. The couple separated more than two years ago and their divorce was finalized in 2023.

"I didn't want this to become a public spectacle, so I decided on a divorce after several attempts to resolve things amicably," she said. 

She explained that both families were aware of the decision and understood it, but the situation worsened when details of her private life began appearing in media reports and on social media.

"I was called greedy by people who don't even know what I've been through," Mary Kom said. 

What are Mary Kom’s allegations against her ex-husband?

Mary Kom alleged that she was defrauded of crores of rupees and lost possession of land she had purchased with her own earnings. She claims that loans were taken against her property and land in Manipur, which were later seized by local groups for recovery. However, in the same report, her husband, Karung Onkholer, denied any wrongdoing.

Mary Kom said the most painful part of the entire ordeal was that her character was questioned publicly.

"What do my achievements even mean anymore? I am broken inside, but I am not even allowed to grieve," she said.

Mary Kom clarified that she does not want any police action and only wants the defamation to stop. She is now rebuilding her financial situation through endorsements and public appearances and is also fulfilling her role in the Indian Olympic Association's Athletes Commission.