Mary Kom, one of the most celebrated boxers in modern sports history, is now dominating headlines not for her achievements in the ring, but for the highly-publicized fallout from her marriage and subsequent divorce.
This comprehensive overview — written in a professional news style — examines the many facets of her personal life, marriage, her public statements, her ex-husband’s reactions, and the broader implications of this saga for fans around the world.
Table of Contents
From Humble Beginnings to Boxing Legend
Mary Kom’s rise is the stuff of legend. Born Mangte Chungneijang Mary Kom in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur, she defied geographic, economic, and gender barriers to become a six-time world boxing champion and an Olympic bronze medallist. Her success brought global attention to Indian boxing and made her a symbol of resilience for athletes everywhere.
In 2005, she married Karung Onkholer “Onler” Kom, a man from her home state. Their union — spanning almost 20 years — produced four children, including twin sons and a daughter. For many years, the couple was seen as a supportive partnership, with Onler portrayed as a family man supporting Mary’s intense training and competitive schedule.
Marriage Breakdown: From Supportive Partnership to Separation
Despite the long partnership, cracks appeared in Mary and Onler’s relationship behind the scenes.
According to Mary Kom, life beyond the ring was marked by financial and personal struggles that eventually led to their separation. In several recent interviews, she candidly described a marriage she felt was marked by betrayal and deception.
Mary Kom has stated that she discovered issues only after a serious injury before the 2022 Commonwealth Games left her bedridden for months. It was during that period, she says, that she realized her trust in her husband was misplaced and that he had allegedly mishandled financial matters.
Their divorce was legally finalized in December 2023 under customary tribal law, a process both parties agreed to at the time with family involvement. But until recently, the reasons behind it were not publicly discussed.
Mary Kom Breaks Her Silence: Financial Betrayal and Personal Pain
In January 2026, Mary Kom appeared on the Indian television talk show Aap Ki Adalat, where she spoke openly about her marriage breakdown, expressing deep frustration and hurt.
In a no-holds-barred interview, she said her ex-husband:
- “Cheated” and “ditched” her during their marriage.
- Failed to contribute financially, despite her belief that he benefited from her earnings.
- Repeatedly made decisions regarding their finances without her consent.
In blunt terms — reflecting her trademark candor as an athlete — she questioned the idea of a partner living off another’s income and reportedly said that this was part of her decision to walk away.
Mary denied rumors that her divorce stemmed from any relationship with another man, including speculation linking her to a business partner — a claim she publicly denied and sought to legally suppress as baseless.
This frankness has polarized public reaction, especially in societies where discussions of financial imbalance in marriage — particularly when the wife earns more than the husband — remain sensitive.
Onler Kom’s Response: A Counter-Narrative Emerges
Onler Kom, Mary’s former husband, has responded to her statements with strong denials and his own assertions.
In multiple recent interviews, Onler stated that:
- He did not engage in financial wrongdoing as alleged, calling the accusations attempts to gain sympathy.
- He supported the family and took an active role in childcare while Mary pursued her demanding boxing career.
- He dismissed Mary’s claims about his career and income, saying he played football locally and took care of home responsibilities.
Onler also publicly alleged that the couple’s children were emotionally affected by the divorce and were reportedly distressed over rumors concerning Mary’s personal life — including claims of infidelity, which he said shook the family deeply.
These counterclaims have only intensified public debate, providing an alternative narrative to Mary Kom’s version of events.
Impact on the Family — Children in the Middle
According to Onler, the couple’s children were upset and emotionally affected by the divorce and the unfolding allegations. He described interactions with them in which they expressed profound disappointment and confusion over rumors about their mother’s personal relationships.
Onler emphasized to their children that despite the family turmoil, he would remain a constant presence in their lives.
This aspect of the story — involving the children’s emotional wellbeing — has drawn particular focus, highlighting the often unseen personal costs of public disputes between former partners.
Public and Media Reactions: International Echoes
Mary Kom’s revelations have sparked intense debate, both in India and internationally:
Support for Mary Kom
Many admire her honesty and bravery for speaking openly about her struggles — especially considering her status as a global sports icon who has traditionally kept her personal life private.
Her comments have been seen by supporters as a necessary challenge to traditional gender roles where men’s contributions — such as childcare and household duties — are often undervalued in financial terms.
Criticism and Pushback
Other voices, particularly on social media, have criticized the tone and content of her comments. Some argue that her remarks about her husband’s income and role were disrespectful or insensitive — noting that contributions to a family cannot be measured solely in financial terms.
A controversial post by a former politician criticizing Mary Kom triggered debate about public commentary on private marital disputes and was subsequently deleted, underscoring how volatile this conversation has become.
Why This Story Resonates Beyond India
This saga has become globally relevant for several reasons:
- Mary Kom is more than an athlete — she’s a cultural icon whose life reflects broader issues of gender equity, success, and personal autonomy.
- Her story underscores how public figures navigate trauma and privacy in an age of instant global media.
- It prompts discussion about the nature of modern marriage, the value of emotional and domestic labor, and how relationships evolve as partners change over time.
For many in the U.S. and worldwide, this narrative challenges conventional narratives about marriage dynamics, financial roles, and what it means for a high-profile woman to speak candidly about her personal life.
Looking Ahead: A Continued Conversation
For now, Mary Kom has reiterated that her divorce is a closed chapter legally, but a lived reality personally. She continues to focus on her children and her professional commitments outside the ring, including endorsements, mentoring roles, and her ongoing influence in sports and community leadership.
Onler, meanwhile, continues to defend his reputation and role within the family, seeking to assert his perspective against damaging narratives.
The broader public conversation — about privacy, gender roles, financial dynamics, and the emotional fallout of divorce — is very much ongoing.
