In a startling revelation that has sent shockwaves through the nation, legendary Indian boxer MC Mary Kom has broken her silence on the painful details leading to her divorce from Onler Kom after nearly two decades of marriage. The six-time world champion and Olympic bronze medalist shared her side of the story in a candid and emotional interview with Rajat Sharma on the popular show 'Aap Ki Adalat'.
The Financial Betrayal and Crumbling Marriage
Mary Kom revealed that a series of financial betrayals and personal disappointments led to the ultimate breakdown of her marriage. She claimed that her former husband, Onler Kom, never earned a single rupee throughout their relationship and lived entirely off her hard-earned success and fame. "My hard-earned money - he didn't contribute ONE rupee!" she stated emphatically during the interview.
The boxing icon described Onler's career as non-existent, dismissing his street football playing by saying it didn't make him a professional footballer like Bhaichung Bhutia or Sunil Chhetri. The breaking point arrived when Mary was bedridden with an injury ahead of the 2022 Commonwealth Games. It was during this vulnerable period that she discovered Onler had withdrawn a substantial sum of INR 10 lakhs from her bank account, switched off his phone, and later lied about taking only INR 30,000.
Mary Kom also disclosed that she funded Onler's political ambitions to the tune of INR 5-6 crores for his unsuccessful MLA bid, despite having no personal interest in politics herself. She further alleged that Onler took loans in her name and indulged in daily drinking, which slowly eroded the foundation of their union. "I sacrificed my life to earn money, I sacrificed seeing my kids grow up... and he betrayed me!" she expressed with raw emotion.
Addressing the Affair Allegations and Social Backlash
Rajat Sharma confronted Mary Kom with the widespread allegations that an affair with her business manager, Hitesh Choudhary, was the real reason for her marriage's collapse. Mary Kom firmly denied these claims, clarifying that Hitesh entered her life only after the divorce was finalized. She asserted that for the two years following the divorce, she and Onler had been living amicably until these allegations surfaced.
The champion boxer also spoke about the intense social and religious scrutiny she faced. As a Christian, her visits to the Kumbh Mela, Shirdi, and a Sufi shrine created controversy. Mary Kom defended her spiritual explorations, pointedly noting that even Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrates Christmas. She expressed deep hurt over being portrayed as the villain in the narrative, especially on social media where many sympathized with Onler.
Life After Divorce and Moving Forward
Mary Kom confirmed that all four of her children – three sons (including twins) and a daughter – are now living with her. She is solely responsible for all their expenses. Dismissing any public relations image of Onler being a "great dad," she claimed that maids primarily cared for the children while he slept.
Despite the personal turmoil, Mary Kom's fighting spirit remains unbroken. Addressing her critics and the public, she declared, "All I have to tell people is that-- it doesn't matter if you support me or not. You will get to know the truth one day or the other. I'm a fighter, I will fight." Her revelations have sparked a national conversation, leaving the public divided between #TeamMary and those sympathizing with Onler Kom.
