From Cheating Claims To Fraud Allegations: Mary Kom Divorce Timeline

Olympian boxer Mary Kom is at the centre of a renewed public controversy following a series of accusations made by her and her estranged husband Karung Onkholer (Onler) regarding their divorce, finances and personal conduct. The dispute, which had remained largely private after their separation, returned to public attention in January 2026 after both sides spoke to the media.

How the dispute unfolded

Mary Kom recently broke her silence on her divorce and alleged financial losses. She said her silence over the past year was being misread and that she felt forced to speak due to continued public slander. She described the period as the darkest phase of her life.

Mary Kom said the problems began after she suffered an injury before the 2022 Commonwealth Games. She stated that she was bedridden for several months and later required a walker. During this period, she said she became more aware of her finances, which she had earlier not closely monitored while competing.

According to Mary Kom, this phase led to a breakdown of trust in her marriage. She said she and Onler separated more than two years ago and completed a customary divorce in 2023. She said she sought a divorce after attempts to resolve issues privately and that both families were informed.

Mary Kom alleged that she was cheated out of crores of rupees. She said the land bought using her earnings was lost, and loans were taken against her property in Manipur.

She claimed the land was later seized by local groups seeking repayment. She also said she was labelled greedy after details of her private life appeared in media reports and on social media.

She stated that she does not want to file a police complaint and only wants the slander to stop. She said she is rebuilding her finances through endorsements and appearances while continuing her role with the Indian Olympic Association Athletes Commission.

Following her statements, Karung Onkholer denied all allegations of financial wrongdoing. He said he does not possess large sums of money and currently lives in a rented house in Delhi. He stated that he had been a contract football player and was preparing for civil services examinations when they married.

Onkholer said he gave up his career to support Mary Kom’s boxing ambitions and took responsibility for household work and childcare. He said the roles in their marriage were reversed by mutual decision and out of support for her career.

He also made counter allegations, claiming Mary Kom had an extramarital affair with a junior boxer in 2013 and another relationship since 2017 with someone linked to the Mary Kom Boxing Academy. He said he has proof to support these claims. Mary Kom has not responded publicly to these allegations.

Mary Kom and Onler Kom married in 2005 and have four children. Both have stated that they wish to avoid prolonged legal action. The matter remains unresolved, with allegations and denials continuing in the public domain.