Inside Mary Kom's Ugly Divorce Saga: A Timeline Of Love, Silence, And A Very Public Fallout

Last Updated:January 14, 2026, 10:42 IST

What began as a private separation between India’s most celebrated boxer and her long-term husband has unfolded into a messy public saga. Here's how it all unfolded.

MC Mary Kom, the legendary boxer from Manipur (X)

When Mary Kom speaks of fighting, the world listens. This time, however, the battle stepped out of the ring and into public view.

What began as a private separation between India’s most celebrated boxer and her husband of nearly two decades has unfolded into a messy, emotional and highly public divorce saga — complete with allegations, denials, and deeply personal revelations.

Here’s how it all unfolded.

Early 2000s–2005: How It All Began

Mary Kom met Karung Onkholer (Onler) Kom in the early 2000s after he helped her during a difficult moment in Delhi when she lost her luggage and documents ahead of a competition. Their bond grew quickly and, before one knew it, they married in 2005.

Over the years, the couple built a family with twin sons born in 2007, another son in 2013, and an adopted daughter in 2018. Onler, a former footballer and Delhi University-trained lawyer, largely stayed away from the spotlight as Mary Kom’s career soared.

2013–2017: Cracks Beneath the Surface

According to Onler, the marriage began to strain much earlier than the public knew.

In an interview, he alleged that Mary Kom had an extramarital affair with a junior boxer in 2013, which caused serious family tensions before a compromise was reached. He further claimed that since 2017, she has been involved with someone associated with her boxing academy.

“I possess WhatsApp messages identifying the individual concerned. I remained silent at the time, but I do not accept being publicly blamed now," Onler said.

Mary Kom has categorically denied all such allegations, calling them baseless.

2022: Injury, Introspection, and a Turning Point

Mary Kom has pointed to her injury ahead of the 2022 Commonwealth Games as the moment everything changed.

Bedridden for months and later needing a walker, she said the forced pause made her confront uncomfortable truths.

“Things were fine till I was competing and had very little involvement in my finances, but when I got injured before the 2022 Commonwealth Games, I realised I was living a lie."

She said this was when she lost trust in her husband and began seeking separation.

2023: Quiet Divorce, Loud Rumours

The couple formally separated more than two years ago and finalized a customary divorce under Kom community law on December 20, 2023.

“I did not want it to be a spectacle for the world, so I sought a divorce after several attempts to resolve it between us."

Mary confirmed the divorce publicly later, requesting privacy and denying rumours of any relationship with another individual.

Onler, however, remained silent — until now.

2025: Allegations, Denials, and Public Fallout

In 2025, Onler broke his silence, strongly rejecting Mary Kom’s allegations of financial wrongdoing.

Mary had claimed she lost crores of rupees, was deprived of land bought with her own earnings, and that loans were taken against her property in Manipur.

Onler denied all accusations.

“Any money borrowed during election periods came from friends, and if property were in my name, corresponding documents would exist."

He said he lives in a rented house in Delhi and challenged Mary Kom to produce proof.

The Children at the Centre

Both parties say their four children, currently in boarding school, remain their top priority.

Mary Kom described the emotional toll of the public scrutiny.

“I have been called greedy by people who know nothing about what I went through."

“What is the point of my achievements? I have been left broken, but I can’t even afford to grieve."

Still, she insists on moving forward.

“I work hard for my kids… can you afford to stay down when you have children?"

Where Things Stand Now

The customary divorce is complete, though some formal proceedings remain pending. Mary Kom has said she does not want police action — only an end to the slander.

Now rebuilding her finances through endorsements and appearances, she continues her work with the Indian Olympic Association Athletes Commission.

“But I fight on," she said. “My life is one long boxing bout, it seems."

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