Mary Kom's remark on Sania Mirza, Saina Nehwal sparks row on Bigg Boss
Team behind boxer Mary Kom apologised after her comment during a Bigg Boss 20 conversation drew backlash on social media
Six-time world champion boxer Mary Kom has been in the news for her presence on Bigg Boss 20. During a conversation with Kazi Touqir inside the show, she spoke about the achievements of her sporting career. But a comment she made during that conversation led to her being trolled on social media.
The conversation was about Indian women athletes who have succeeded in sport. During this, Kazi Touqir mentioned the performances of tennis player Sania Mirza and badminton player Saina Nehwal. Kazi said, "So many of our girls have done wonders in sport. Sania Mirza did very well too, Saina Nehwal..."
As Kazi was still naming Sania and Saina, Mary Kom cut in and said, "But no one has achieved what I have." She then pointed out that she herself had been a six-time world champion.
Mary Kom was speaking about her own record, but some viewers felt the remark diminished other athletes. After the episode was telecast, many on social media expressed anger over it.
Some users accused Mary Kom of disrespecting the achievements of other women athletes. Some called her tone arrogant. One user asked why she needed to interrupt when Kazi was praising the women athletes. Some described her remark as angry or irritated.
After the row grew, Mary Kom's team issued a clarification and apology from her official account. The team clarified that Mary's statement was not meant to diminish any athlete's performance or to compare herself with them.
The team said, "If Mary's words have been misunderstood, we apologise. There was no intention to diminish any athlete's journey or to compare them." The team also said Mary Kom respects every athlete who represents India and gives everything for the sport.
The team further said it respects the hard work of Indian athletes across all sports. In its statement, the team said, "Everyone's journey is different, every performance matters, and every medal adds to India's pride."
This is not the first time Mary Kom has been at the centre of controversy. In February, she was criticised over statements she made about her divorce from her former husband. At that time too, she had said her words were misunderstood, and had later apologised, sharing a video clarifying she had no intention of hurting anyone.
Mary Kom is now back in the headlines after her comment on Sania Mirza and Saina Nehwal on Bigg Boss 20. It remains to be seen how much the controversy settles after the team's clarification and apology.
