In a shocking turn of events that has captivated the nation, Indian boxing legend MC Mary Kom and her ex-husband Karung Onkholer Kom (commonly known as Onler) have traded serious public accusations following their 2023 divorce. What was once a private separation after over 20 years of marriage and four children has escalated into a heated media spectacle in January 2026, dominating headlines and sparking intense debates on social media.
Mary Kom, the six-time world champion and Olympic bronze medalist, opened up about the breakdown of her marriage during a candid appearance on the TV show Aap Ki Adalat with Rajat Sharma (aired around January 10, 2026). She accused Onler of financial betrayal, claiming he lived off her earnings without contributing financially. Mary alleged that Onler withdrew large sums from her accounts without consent—such as ₹10 lakh at a time—and transferred properties and assets worth several crores into his name. She described discovering his “real face” after her 2022 injury, just before the Commonwealth Games, calling it the “darkest phase” of her life. Mary emphasized that Onler “never earned a penny,” spent much of his time “sleeping at home,” and even played street football, questioning any notion of sacrifice on his part.
Onler, who supported Mary throughout her career by managing the household and raising their children while she pursued boxing glory, has strongly denied the financial allegations. In interviews with outlets like Hindustan Times, IANS, and others (starting January 13, 2026), he challenged Mary to provide proof, such as bank records or property documents, pointing out that he currently lives in a rented house in Delhi with no major assets. He described feeling humiliated and portrayed as a “villain,” stating he gave up his own aspirations—including a football career and UPSC preparations—at her request to support the family. In counter-accusations, Onler alleged that Mary had extramarital affairs: one with a junior boxer in 2013 (which he claimed they resolved at the time) and another since 2017 with someone associated with the Mary Kom Boxing Academy. He said he has WhatsApp evidence but stayed silent for years to protect the family, only speaking out now in response to her claims.
The public fallout has divided opinions. Some sympathize with Mary as a self-made icon who carried the financial burden, while others criticize her for downplaying domestic contributions and airing private matters publicly. Former cricketer Manoj Tiwary expressed disappointment in Mary’s remarks, noting that success is never solitary and highlighting the pain caused by publicly dismissing a supportive spouse. Social media users have echoed this, with debates on gender roles, sacrifices in marriage, and the ethics of “washing dirty linen” in public.
The couple’s story began in the early 2000s when Onler helped Mary recover stolen belongings in Delhi, leading to marriage in 2005. Their partnership defied traditional norms, with Onler as the homemaker while Mary achieved unparalleled success in boxing. They finalized a customary divorce in 2023, and both have stressed the priority of their children’s well-being.
This episode serves as a stark reminder of how high-profile personal disputes can spiral into national conversations, often overshadowing legacies built on resilience and achievement. As the accusations continue to unfold in interviews and online discussions, many call for privacy and empathy to allow healing for all involved, especially the children caught in the crossfire. The controversy highlights the complexities of relationships behind public success and the challenges of navigating separation when fame is involved.
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