Mumbai: Indian boxer and Olympic medallist Mary Kom has opened up about her emotional distress over the ongoing situation in Manipur during a recent episode of Bigg Boss 20. Speaking to fellow contestant Kanika Mann, the boxer expressed regret and helplessness over being unable to contribute more towards the protection and safety of her home state.
Manipur has been affected by prolonged ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, with the unrest resulting in deaths, displacement and continued tensions. Against this backdrop, Mary Kom spoke about her hope for peace and unity among the different communities in the state.
Mary Kom speaks about Manipur
During her conversation with Kanika Mann, Mary Kom said she wanted people belonging to different communities and tribes in Manipur to live together peacefully.
“I could not do anything for the protection and safety of my Manipur,” she said while discussing the situation.
The former world champion stressed that unity was essential for the state and expressed her desire to see people from all communities coexist with love and harmony.
“There are multiple tribes in Manipur, there should be unity among all. All should live peacefully with love,” she said.
Her comments reflected the emotional weight she continues to carry over the situation in her home state despite her long and distinguished career representing India internationally.
‘I am helpless,’ says the boxer
Mary Kom also spoke candidly about her sense of helplessness and her inability to bring about a meaningful change in the situation.
“What can I do? I am helpless. I am not a powerful person. I have achieved a lot for our country, but I could not do anything for my state. I feel very embarrassed,” she told Kanika.
The remarks highlighted the personal impact of the conflict on someone who has frequently been regarded as one of Manipur’s most prominent sporting figures.
Mary Kom has represented India at the highest levels of international boxing and has earned numerous accolades during her career. However, while reflecting on the situation, she indicated that her sporting achievements had not translated into the ability to address the challenges facing her home state.
Priyanka Chopra sends message to Mary Kom
Mary Kom also received a special message from actor Priyanka Chopra during the premiere episode of the reality show.
Chopra played Mary Kom in the 2014 biographical sports drama Mary Kom and used the premiere to wish the boxer well on her Bigg Boss 20 journey.
In her video message, Chopra encouraged Mary to remain authentic and participate in the show with an open heart.
“Inka Knockout na bohot bhaari parta hai. Mary aap bas jaisi hai waisi rahiye. Khule dil se kheliye. I am so looking forward to your journey. Bohot bohot sara pyaar,” Chopra said.
The message brought together two personalities whose professional journeys have been connected through the biopic, which introduced Mary Kom’s life and sporting achievements to a wider film audience.
Bigg Boss 20 contestants
Mary Kom and Kanika Mann are among the contestants participating in the ongoing season of Bigg Boss 20.
The current season also features personalities including Aasif Khan, ScoutOp (Tanmay Singh), Amrapali Dubey, Mahhi Vij, Yung DSA, Qazi Touqeer, Arishfa Khan, Rohed Khan, Isha Rikhi and Gullu (Kushal Tanwar), among others.
Mary Kom’s conversation about Manipur has added a more personal dimension to her appearance on the reality show, allowing viewers to hear her thoughts on an issue that remains deeply connected to her identity and home state.
Bigg Boss 20 streams on JioHotstar at 9 pm and airs on Colors at 10:30 pm.