New Delhi: Mary Kom’s husband, Karung Onkholer, also known as Onler, has strongly denied the Olympic bronze medallist’s allegations that she was cheated out of crores of rupees and lost land bought with her own money.

In an exclusive conversation with IANS, Onler dismissed the accusations as false and alleged that Mary Kom was involved in extramarital relationships.

Marriage disputes date back over a decade, claims Onkholer

Onler claimed that the issues in their marriage date back over a decade. He revealed that Mary Kom was first involved in an affair in 2013 with a junior boxer, which led to serious disputes between their families before a compromise was reached. He further alleged that since 2017, she has been in a relationship with a person associated with the Mary Kom Boxing Academy.

"I will talk about what she told Lok Adalat. Firstly, in 2013, she was having an affair with a junior boxer. Our families had a fight, and after that, we compromised. And since 2017, she's been having a relationship (with someone) working at the Mary Kom Boxing Academy. I have their WhatsApp messages as proof. I have proof, with the name of the person with whom she was having an affair. I remained silent," Onler told IANS in an exclusive conversation.

Onler said he does not object to Mary Kom moving on, but he objected strongly to being publicly blamed.

“She wanted to stay alone and have another relationship. We're divorced. I don't mind if she wants to have another husband. But don't ever blame me. And if she's to blame me, bring the proof; get the papers. I know where she lives and with whom,” he added.

Questions raised over property and loan accusations

He questioned the claims of financial wrongdoing and said his current living situation contradicts allegations that he possesses large sums of money, saying, “She mentioned the property and asked my name to be erased. She said I stole 5 crores. Check my account.

"For 18 years of marriage, we were together. And then, this? She's mad. I had been living with her for 18 years. What am I having? Look at my house. I'm staying in a rented house in Delhi. She's a celeb. Whatever she says, some will listen, and some won't.”

Onler reiterated his challenge for documentary proof and explained his decision to remove his wedding ring, stating, “I removed my wedding ring. Because she's not trustworthy... She's going to the Lok Adalat and saying I took a loan and stole property. If the property is in my name, then she'd have the documents, right? Let her bring those documents, and then we'll speak.

"We got a customary divorce. Yet to go to court. I don't want to fight in court because I love my children. What's the point of speaking to national media and saying my husband is stealing money? What am I doing for her?

"Bring proofs for all the claims, and prove if I have crores. Why are they blaming me for stealing money? She was talking about the loan worth crores I took during the election. What's the proof? Money is being spent on elections. I borrowed money from my friends.”

Onler said he supported Mary Kom through various phases of her career and personal life but felt deeply hurt by her accusations.

"I can forgive her, but I'll never forget what she has done to me. I'm like use and throw for her. Who planted the seeds of her academy? Who registered? And now someone has become the chairman, whom I don't want to name. What she's done to me has hurt me... We have been in Delhi since 2013. My sons are in boarding school. Of course, she's earning and paying the fees, but who has raised them?”

He also spoke emotionally about his children and allegations concerning his personal habits. "I want to visit my sons who are staying in a hostel. She said they're her kids, but they're my blood too. It's about the relationship between husband and wife. Nobody is perfect. She said I consumed alcohol. So has she. She's had vodka and rum, and she's also eaten 'gutka'. But I never disclosed these things to the media, who blamed me for drinking. Okay, I drink during parties.”

Lastly, he also alleged that despite injuries before the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Mary Kom travelled to Mumbai and continued a relationship, claiming to have proof.

“She got injured during the 2022 Commonwealth Games but still went to Mumbai. I have proof with the name of the person with whom she was having a relationship. I remained silent.”

Onler and Mary Kom got married in 2005 and have four kids. The two got divorced in 2023.

(IANS)