Mary is a very special woman: Onler

Onler Kom has proven that behind every successful woman, there is a man. Mary Kom’s 38-year-old husband was at the Excel Arena ringside along with his mother-in-law to watch the London Olympics semifinal on Wednesday. After Mary lost her bout against Britain’s Nicola Adams, Onler spoke exclusively to TSI.

Excerpts from an interview:

TSI: You must be disappointed that Mary lost?

Onler: Yes and No. Mary was not only fighting a good opponent, but she was up against the crowd. Still it was a close fight. I think Mary would have done better if she was in the other half of the draw from where the Chinese girl (Cancan Ren) made the final. Against a home team girl, it would always be tough, but I am happy that my wife has won an Olympic bronze.

TSI: How has the family taken the semifinal loss?

Onler: Look, when Mary qualified for the Olympics, the family was proud that she is going to become an Olympian. We were extremely happy when she won the bronze. God knows what to give and when to give. We are happy with the outcome. It’s all God’s wish. There are times when the unexpected happens and there are times when the expected happens. So, it’s fine.

TSI: Do you think Mary will quit boxing now?

Onler: It’s Mary decision, but I don’t think she will be in a hurry to take a call. We want her to come home and relax for a year or so. She has given her life to boxing. Making comebacks is nothing new for her. She came back after childbirth and she is a very special woman. If she feels fit and fine and wants to compete, Mary should fight in the next Olympics in Rio.

TSI: Mary will be 33 when the Rio Olympics take place in 2016? Do you think Mary’s participation is a possibility?

Onler: Why not? Preparing for London was tough because our kids were just five. Four years from now, the kids will be bigger and stronger. The family has always stood by Mary’s wishes. It’s the duty of the family to help her. I personally have no problems. If they introduce a 48 or 46 kg category in Rio and Mary is physically fit, I think she can give it a shot. Age is just a number.

TSI: Why is Mary special?

Onler: She is most honest girl in the world. Her heart is like the way she boxes – dum, dum, dum. She has a spotless conscience. She loves everyone and speaks her mind. She will rarely hurt anyone and if she does, Mary will say sorry. That’s a great quality. Humble by nature, Mary is indeed very different from other women.

TSI: What makes her such a great athlete?

Onler: I would say her will power and penchant for perfection. Even when she will cook, Mary will not move an inch till she has cooked the best dish. That’s her focus.

TSI: Mary always thanks you for what she is today.

Onler: As husband, this is the least I can do. Her achievements have made us a special family in Manipur. We have an academy for poor kids. It’s our understanding that keeps us going. As a young couple, God has blessed us. We can’t ask for more.

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Mary is a very special woman: Onler

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