Bigg Boss 20: Mary Kom’s ‘No one achieved what I did’ remark sparks backlash, team apologises; watch

A conversation about India’s celebrated women athletes on Bigg Boss 20 has taken an unexpected turn. Boxing legend Mary Kom is facing criticism after a remark about her sporting achievements triggered a wave of reactions online.

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The discussion began when fellow contestant Qazi Touqeer spoke about women who have brought glory to India through sports. He named tennis star Sania Mirza and badminton champion Saina Nehwal while discussing their contributions.

Qazi said, “Hamare yahan sports mein kaun kaun ladki ne kamal kiya hai, Sania Mirza also did great, Sania Nehwal (Which girls have achieved greatness in sports here? Sania Mirza did a great job, as did Saina Nehwal)."

Mary Kom interrupted the conversation and highlighted her own record.

She said, “Lekin mere jaisa koi achieve nahi kiya (But no one achieved what I did),” referring to her remarkable journey in boxing.

From the source Wtf 😭 Qazi giving salute to mary kom #BiggBoss20

There is little doubt that Mary Kom’s achievements are historic. She is a six-time world champion and became the first Indian woman boxer to win an Olympic medal. She is also recognised as the only boxer, male or female, to win six world titles.

However, the wording of her response divided viewers. While some saw it as an expression of confidence and pride in a career unlike any other, others felt it overshadowed the achievements of other Indian women athletes.

The exchange soon spread across social media platforms, including X and Instagram. Viewers debated whether Mary Kom was merely celebrating her unprecedented record or whether her response unnecessarily turned a broader discussion into a comparison. Several users argued that Qazi’s comments were intended to acknowledge accomplished Indian women in different sporting disciplines.

With the debate gaining momentum, Mary Kom’s team issued a clarification and apology through her official account. The team said there was no intention to disrespect another athlete or diminish anyone’s accomplishments.

It stated,“We apologise if Mary’s words were misunderstood. There was never any intention to demean or compare the journey with that of another athlete. Mary has immense respect for every athlete who represents India and gives their heart and soul to the sport.”

The clarification further stressed that every athlete’s contribution deserves recognition.

“Every journey is unique, every achievement matters, and every medal makes India proud.”

We apologise if Mary’s words were misunderstood. There was never any intention to demean or compare the journey with that of another athlete. Mary has immense respect for every athlete who represents India and gives their heart and soul to the sport.

Every journey is unique,…

This is not the first time Mary Kom has faced online criticism this year. In February, remarks surrounding her divorce from her former husband also drew attention. Among the comments was her statement that he made“ek rupiya bhi nahi kamaya”.

She subsequently posted an apology video and said her remarks had been taken out of context. She also clarified that she did not intend to hurt anyone or make a generalised statement.

Meanwhile, Bigg Boss 20, hosted by Salman Khan, continues to bring together personalities from different fields. The season is airing on Colors TV and JioHotstar.

Its lineup includes Mary Kom, singer Qazi Touqeer, television actors Mahhi Vij, Kanika Mann and Isha Rikhi, Bhojpuri actor Aamrapali Dubey, actor Aasif Khan, singer Rhiti Tiwari, creator Arishfa Khan, gaming personality Tanmay Singh aka Scoutop, and actor-model Rohed Khan, among others.

As conversations inside the house continue to spill onto social media, Mary Kom’s remark has become another talking point surrounding the latest season.