April 30, 2025: Indian boxing legend and Olympic medallist Mary Kom has confirmed her separation from husband Karung Onkholer, popularly known as Onler, stating that their divorce was finalized on December 20, 2023, by mutual consent under Kom Customary Law, in the presence of family members and clan leaders.
In a strongly worded legal notice shared on her official X (formerly Twitter) account, Mary Kom addressed recent media speculation and false rumours regarding her personal life, particularly stories linking her romantically to Hitesh Choudhary, the chairman of the Mary Kom Boxing Foundation.
She clarified:
“The rumours regarding my relationship with Mr. Hitesh Choudhary or any other such allegations are categorically denied. Mr. Choudhary works with me purely under a business collaboration, and nothing beyond that should be speculated.”
Mary Kom also criticized a recent article published by Hindustan Times EFL on April 7, 2025, as well as similar unfounded reports from other media outlets. She stated these stories were not only inaccurate but also a violation of her right to privacy.
“My client requests her friends, fans, and well-wishers to kindly give her the space and privacy she needs to navigate this difficult time,” the legal statement read, further warning that any continued spread of misinformation may result in legal consequences, including defamation and privacy violation claims.
Mary Kom has requested that the media respect the sensitive nature of her personal life and avoid spreading baseless speculation. She confirmed that a press conference in Manipur had already addressed this matter.
The six-time world champion and trailblazer in Indian boxing concluded the statement with a message of moving forward with dignity and strength.