Years of Suppressed Pain Spilled Over in an Emotional Moment: Mary Kom Issues Apology Video, Says Remarks Were Misunderstood

Guwahati: World boxing champion and Olympic medalist Mary Kom has issued a clarification and apology after her recent remarks about her estranged husband sparked widespread controversy on social media. In an emotional video posted on her Instagram account, Mary Kom said her words were misunderstood and that her intention was never to hurt anyone or promote negativity.

Mary Kom has been in the spotlight due to her divorce and public statements related to her former husband, Onler Kom. During a television talk show, she had alleged financial exploitation, claiming that her former husband never earned money and lived off her income. The remarks triggered sharp criticism online, following which the six-time world boxing champion chose to address the issue directly.

Clarification and Apology
In her video message, Mary Kom said, “I want to clarify that it is not true that my marriage was never successful. Everything was fine for many years. But when trust was completely broken, things changed.” She added that even after her divorce in April 2025, and despite press statements issued against her, she had maintained silence and dignity in public and media interactions.

She stressed that her comments during the talk show came from a deeply emotional place. “That moment was extremely emotional for me. Years of suppressed pain, depression, and a sense of betrayal came to the surface all at once,” she said.

‘Please Understand My Words’
Mary Kom emphasized that she never intended to insult anyone, divide society, or target any sport or community. Addressing language barriers, she wrote in her caption, “My Hindi is not perfect. Please understand my words in the right context. I have added subtitles to explain what I actually meant.”

She also rejected claims that her remarks were against football, youth culture, or athletes. “I may be a boxer, but I love football from my heart and enjoy playing it myself,” she said.

Reference to Sunil Chhetri and Bhaichung Bhutia
Mary Kom also apologized for the way her comments referencing street football were perceived. During the show, she had said that playing street football does not automatically make someone Sunil Chhetri or Bhaichung Bhutia, a remark that upset many football fans.

Clarifying this, she said that every great athlete starts from the grassroots and reaches the top through hard work and dedication. She offered a sincere apology to Sunil Chhetri, Bhaichung Bhutia, football lovers, and especially men who felt hurt by her words.

‘My Comments Were Not Against All Men’
“I sincerely apologize to everyone, particularly the broader male community, who felt hurt or disappointed by my comments. My statements were never meant for all men, nor were they intended to demean or insult anyone,” Mary Kom said. She reiterated that her remarks were strictly personal, rooted in her own marital struggles, and should not be seen as a general statement against any gender, ideology, or profession.

The boxing legend concluded by saying that her intention was never to create controversy, but to speak from a place of pain during an overwhelming emotional moment.