Mary Kom’s Team Issues Clarification After Bigg Boss Remark on Women Athletes Sparks Backlash

Olympic bronze medallist and six-time world champion Mary Kom’s team has issued an apology following backlash over a remark made by the boxing legend during her appearance on Bigg Boss 20.

The comment, which surfaced on social media, was criticised by viewers who felt it appeared to undermine the achievements of other Indian women athletes.

The controversy began during a conversation between Mary Kom and fellow contestant Qazi Touqeer about Indian women who have made their mark in sports. Touqeer mentioned tennis star Sania Mirza and badminton champion Saina Nehwal while discussing the country’s accomplished female athletes.

“Hamara yahan sports mein kaun kaun ladki ne kamal kiya hai, Sania Mirza also did great, Sania Nehwal,” Touqeer said. Before he could finish, Kom responded, “Lekin mere jaisa koi achieve nahi kiya,” which translates to, “But no one achieved what I did.”

A video clip of the exchange soon gained traction online, prompting criticism from some viewers. Several users argued that Touqeer appeared to be highlighting the achievements of multiple Indian sporting icons, while Kom’s response was perceived as turning the discussion into a comparison of accomplishments.

Amid the backlash, Team Mary Kom addressed the controversy through her official social media account. The team clarified that the remark was not intended to demean, compare or diminish the achievements of any other athlete.

“We apologise if Mary’s words were misunderstood. There was never any intention to demean or compare the journey with that of another athlete. Mary has immense respect for every athlete who represents India and gives their heart and soul to the sport,” the statement said.

The team further stressed that athletes from different sporting disciplines have their own unique journeys and achievements.

“Every journey is unique, every achievement matters, and every medal makes India proud,” it added.

Mary Kom remains one of the most decorated athletes in Indian boxing history. She won a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics, becoming the first Indian woman boxer to secure an Olympic medal.

She also won six World Championship titles in 2002, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010 and 2018. In addition, she won a silver medal in 2001 and a bronze in 2019.

The Manipur-born boxer also achieved major success at the Asian Games, winning bronze in 2010 before claiming gold in 2014. She added a Commonwealth Games gold medal to her impressive record in 2018.

At the Asian Championships, Kom collected five gold and two silver medals between 2003 and 2021, further cementing her status as one of the sport’s most successful boxers.

Kom is one of only two boxers in history, male or female, to win six World Championship titles. She was also the first Indian woman to win an Olympic boxing medal.

The Bigg Boss 20 controversy comes at a time when Kom is considering a new chapter in her boxing career. Earlier this year, she revealed that she was exploring the possibility of moving into professional boxing after age restrictions brought an end to her eligibility to compete in amateur boxing for India.

Reflecting on her career in March, Kom said professional boxing could provide her with another opportunity to return to competitive action.

“What can I say about the high points? Winning six World Championships was incredible. Although I reached a stage where age restrictions prevented me from competing further in amateur boxing for the country, a new opportunity has surfaced in Professional Boxing,” she said.

Kom added that she was taking time to make a decision while continuing to work towards a possible comeback.

“I am currently taking some time to consider it. I am working hard and trying to make a comeback to show people what I can still do,” she said.