Mary Kom's Team Apologises After Bigg Boss 20 Statement On Fellow Athletes Triggers Debate

Legendary boxer Mary Kom's team has issued an apology following backlash over her comments on the reality show Bigg Boss 20. Mary Kom is a six-time world champion boxer and the first Indian women's boxer to win an Olympic medal. She is currently taking part in Bigg Boss 20, where one of her comments went viral. On the Salman Khan-hosted show, fellow contestant Qazi Touqeer praised Indian women who have made the country proud in sports. "Hamare yahan sports mein kaun kaun ladki ne kamal kiya hai, Sania Mirza also did great, Saina Nehwal (Which girls have achieved greatness in sports here? Sania Mirza did a great job, as did Saina Nehwal)," he said.

Mary Kom then said, "Lekin mere jaisa koi achieve nahi kiya (But no one achieved what I did)."

The comment led to backlash, and now Mary Kom's team has issued an apology from her official X handle.

"We apologise if Mary's words were misunderstood. There was never any intention to demean or compare her 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. Every journey is unique, every achievement matters, and every medal makes India proud. - Team #MaryKom," the post read.

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.

Every journey is unique,…

— Dr. M C Mary Kom OLY (@MangteC) September 13, 2026

Meanwhile, Mary Kom also expressed disappointment over not being able to do more for her state, Manipur. On Bigg Boss 20, during a conversation with fellow contestant Kanika Mann, Mary Kom admitted that she feels helpless and embarrassed about not being able to do more for her state amid the ethnic conflict and violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.

Discussing her achievements and aspirations, Mary spoke about the situation in Manipur.

"I could not do anything for the protection and safety of my Manipur. There are multiple tribes in Manipur; there should be unity among all. Everyone should live peacefully with love," she said.

"What can I do? I am helpless. I am not a powerful person. I have achieved a lot for our country, but I could not do anything for my state. I feel very embarrassed," she shared, adding, "Manipur mein itna kuch ho gaya, main kuch nahi kar paayi. Dukh hota hai (So much has happened in Manipur, and I couldn't do anything. It's sad), and I'm not powerful enough to do anything about it."

Featured Video Of The Day

India Ends CWG Boxing Campaign With Record-Breaking Seven Gold Medals