12 September,2026 08:26 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Mary Kom (Picture via X)
Mary Kom's stint on Bigg Boss 20 has sparked a social media debate after a remark about her sporting achievements did not go down well with several viewers. The six-time World Champion boxer was seen discussing Indian women athletes with fellow contestant Qazi Touqeer when her comments prompted accusations that she was dismissive of other sportspersons.
During a conversation, Qazi spoke about women athletes who have brought recognition to India. While mentioning tennis star Sania Mirza and badminton player Saina Nehwal, he was interrupted by Mary, who said, "Lekin mere jaisa koi achieve nahi kiya." She then pointed out that she is a six-time World Champion.
The comment quickly became a talking point among Bigg Boss 20 viewers. Several social media users felt that Mary's statement appeared to undermine the achievements of other athletes, particularly as Qazi was praising sportspersons from disciplines other than boxing.
One viewer described her comment as narcissistic, while another wrote that Mary appeared to have an ego and questioned why she was "putting others down". Another social media user said that while they respected Mary for her achievements, they felt she should also acknowledge the accomplishments of other Indian athletes.
Comparisons with other Olympic medallists also surfaced online. One viewer pointed out that Mary's best Olympic finish was a bronze medal at the 2012 London Games, while PV Sindhu and Mirabai Chanu have won silver medals. The user, however, acknowledged Mary's contribution to Indian sport and questioned why she appeared to be shading other athletes.
The backlash comes as contestants inside the Bigg Boss 20 house have been discussing Mary's decorated sporting career. She is widely regarded as one of India's most accomplished boxers and holds the record for six Women's World Boxing Championship titles. At the 2012 London Olympics, she became the first Indian woman boxer to win an Olympic medal after securing bronze in the 51kg category.
Mary has also won gold at the 2014 Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. Her contribution to Indian sport has been recognised with honours including the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan.
While her achievements remain undisputed, her latest exchange on Bigg Boss 20 has opened a conversation among viewers about how sporting accomplishments are discussed and compared inside the reality show.
