The recent statement by Mary Kom during an episode of Bigg Boss 20 has sparked significant backlash on social media, prompting her team to issue a formal apology. The Olympic bronze medallist and six-time world champion faced criticism after a conversation with fellow contestant Qazi Touqeer about the achievements of Indian women in sports. The exchange included references to prominent athletes such as Sania Mirza and Saina Nehwal.

During the discussion, Touqeer acknowledged the success of various Indian sportswomen. He stated, “Hamare yahan sports mein kaun kaun ladki ne kamal kiya hai, Sania Mirza also did great, Sania Nehwal.” However, before he could elaborate, Kom responded with, “Lekin mere jaisa koi achieve nahi kiya,” which translates to, “But no one achieved what I did.” This comment immediately attracted criticism, as many felt it shifted the focus from celebrating multiple accomplishments to making an unfavourable comparison.

As the clip of this exchange circulated on various platforms, viewers expressed their discontent, claiming that Kom’s words seemed to belittle the achievements of her fellow athletes. In response to the growing negative sentiment, Team Mary Kom took to her official social media account to clarify her intentions.

Mary Kom’s Team Clarifies Intentions

In a statement, Kom’s team expressed regret for any misunderstanding that may have stemmed from her comment. They stated, “We apologise if Mary’s words were misunderstood. There was never any intention to demean or compare the journey with that of another athlete.” The statement emphasised that Kom holds a deep respect for all athletes who represent India and commit passionately to their respective sports.

The team further asserted that all achievements in the sporting field deserve equal acknowledgement. “Every journey is unique, every achievement matters, and every medal makes India proud,” they added, reiterating the importance of recognising diverse contributions from athletes across various disciplines.

Mary Kom has an illustrious career in boxing, having secured a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics—becoming the first Indian woman boxer to achieve this feat. Her accolades include six World Championship titles, with victories recorded in 2002, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010, and 2018, along with a silver in 2001 and a bronze in 2019. Additionally, she has claimed numerous medals at the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games, further cementing her status as a leading figure in Indian sports.

Future Prospects for Mary Kom

The controversy surrounding *Bigg Boss 20* coincides with a pivotal moment in Kom’s boxing career, as she has been considering a transition to professional boxing. Earlier this year, she announced that age restrictions had curtailed her eligibility for further amateur competition in India, prompting her to consider other avenues.

In March, while discussing her career highlights, Kom reflected on her past achievements, particularly her six World Championship titles. She acknowledged the challenges posed by age restrictions but indicated that the realm of professional boxing might provide new opportunities for her to compete. “Winning six World Championships was incredible,” she noted.

Kom is currently weighing her options while preparing for a potential return to the ring. She stated, “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.” As she navigates this transitional phase, the boxing community and fans alike will be keenly awaiting her next steps.

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