Mary Kom’s Team Breaks Silence After Bigg Boss Remark on Women Athletes Sparks Backlash

Olympic medallist and six-time world champion Mary Kom’s team has apologised after a remark made by the boxing icon on Bigg Boss 20 sparked criticism on social media.

Viewers accused Kom of appearing to downplay the achievements of other Indian women athletes during a conversation about sporting icons.

The controversy erupted when Kom was speaking with fellow contestant Qazi Touqeer about Indian women who have excelled in sports. Touqeer brought up tennis star Sania Mirza and badminton player Saina Nehwal while discussing some of the country’s prominent female athletes.

“Hamara yahan sports mein kaun kaun ladki ne kamal kiya hai, Sania Mirza also did great, Sania Nehwal,” Touqeer said. Kom then interrupted him and remarked, “Lekin mere jaisa koi achieve nahi kiya,” meaning, “But no one achieved what I did.”

The exchange was later shared widely online, triggering a mixed reaction. Several viewers felt Touqeer was simply recognising the achievements of multiple Indian sportswomen, while Kom’s response was perceived by some as an unnecessary comparison.

Following the backlash, Team Mary Kom issued a clarification through her official account. The team said the boxer never intended to disrespect or diminish the accomplishments of any fellow 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 statement further highlighted the importance of recognising achievements across different sporting disciplines. “Every journey is unique, every achievement matters, and every medal makes India proud,” the team added.

Kom is widely regarded as one of India’s greatest boxers. At the 2012 London Olympics, she won bronze to become the first Indian woman boxer to claim an Olympic medal. Her international record includes six World Championship gold medals, won in 2002, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010 and 2018. She also secured silver in 2001 and bronze in 2019.

The Manipur-born boxer has also enjoyed success at the Asian Games, winning bronze in 2010 before taking gold in 2014. In 2018, she added a Commonwealth Games gold medal to her collection.

At the Asian Championships, Kom won five gold and two silver medals between 2003 and 2021. She is one of only two boxers, male or female, to have won six World Championship titles.

Kom’s Bigg Boss 20 controversy comes as she weighs a potential return to competitive boxing. Earlier this year, she revealed that she was considering a move to professional boxing after age restrictions ended her amateur career representing India.

In March, Kom reflected on the possibility, saying her six World Championship victories were among the biggest highlights of her career and that professional boxing had opened up a new opportunity.

“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 also said she was taking time to decide on her next step while continuing to work towards a 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.