Sports / Why did husband Onler Karong raise questions on Mary Kom statue what is the controversy

Mary Kom News: Statues of 19 Olympians from the state, including Mary Kom, were recently installed at the Manipur Olympic Park. Now Onler Karong, husband of veteran boxer MC Mary Kom, has courted controversy as he has expressed dissatisfaction over the statue of his wife.

Onler claimed in an interview to a local newspaper that the statue installed in the park does not look like six-time women's boxing world champion and 2012 London Olympics bronze medalist Mary Kom. Despite repeated attempts, Onler or Mary Kom could not be contacted. However, Mary Kom's brother Jimmy Kom told that the Chief Minister's Office has assured him that the statue will be replaced before the park is inaugurated. The date for the opening of the park has not been decided yet.

'Onler's statement can be misinterpreted'

When contacted, the Chief Minister's Office said that they would not talk on the issue. Jimmy said, 'This is his (Onler's) personal view.' Jimmy said, 'There is a concern that Onler's statement could be misinterpreted as the statues have been put up to honor sportspersons from our state. '

The Chief Minister had said this

Two days before the matter came to light, Chief Minister N Biren Singh had said on his official Facebook page that the park was "all set to be inaugurated". Everyone can now see the statues of our great Olympians who are the pride of our nation.

In a separate statement, the Chief Minister said, “The Manipur Olympian Park was built in honor of our Olympians from Manipur who have brought glory to the country. It will not only become a major tourist attraction but also inspire the youth to achieve greater heights in life.