Six-time world champion boxer and Olympic medallist Mary Kom is in the spotlight again following a public dispute with her ex-husband Karung Onkholer (Onler), more than two years after their 2023 divorce. Both parties have leveled serious allegations, ranging from financial misconduct to extramarital affairs.
Mary Kom, who married Onler in 2005 and has four children, claimed in recent interviews that her former husband failed to contribute to the family financially during their marriage.
Speaking to India TV, she said, “He was not earning a rupee… he used to sleep the whole day. I was the sole breadwinner. Later, I realised my account was nearly empty. He kept taking loans, mortgaging my property, which he transferred into his name.”
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Mary Kom on Divorce and Financial Losses
In a telephonic conversation with PTI, the 43-year-old boxer described the period following her divorce as the “darkest phase” of her life. She recounted near-bankruptcy, loss of land purchased with her own earnings, and emotional turmoil following injuries before the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
“Things were fine till I was competing and had very little involvement in my finances, but when I got injured, I realised I was living a lie,” Kom said. “I have been called greedy by people who know nothing about what I went through. I was duped of crores, and my property was misused without my consent.”
Kom alleged that Onler borrowed money from local residents in Churachandpur and used underground groups to seize her property when repayment issues arose.
Onler’s Counterclaims
In response, Onler strongly denied all financial allegations. Speaking to IANS, he highlighted his current modest living conditions in a rented house as proof of his integrity. “For 18 years of marriage, we were together. And then this? She’s mad,” he said. He further accused Kom of multiple extramarital affairs, claiming evidence in the form of WhatsApp messages.
Onler stated that while he supported Kom’s career, he never sought financial gain. He described himself as her “driver” and “cook,” performing household duties while Kom competed. “Yes, in our marriage, we didn’t have conventional gender roles. She was the earning member, and I never saw it as doing something exemplary. I was just supporting her passion,” he told the Hindustan Times.
Public Repercussions and Legal Implications
The dispute has drawn widespread media attention, raising questions about financial management, spousal responsibilities, and gender roles in high-profile marriages. Both parties’ allegations touch on financial accountability, personal integrity, and public perception, making this case a rare instance where a top athlete’s private life intersects significantly with public discourse.
Legal experts suggest that Mary Kom may pursue civil remedies for financial recovery, while Onler could seek defamation redress depending on the claims made publicly. The situation underscores the complexities involved in high-profile divorces, especially where substantial assets and public reputations are involved.
Mary Kom’s revelations offer insight into the personal and financial challenges faced by elite athletes, while Onler’s counterclaims reflect a contrasting perspective on marital roles and responsibilities. The ongoing dispute, though private in nature, continues to unfold in the public domain, drawing attention from media, legal experts, and sports fans alike.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
