IMPHAL: Ace boxer Mary Komthe husband of Onler Karong sparked controversy after he expressed his displeasure with the appearance of a statue of his wife, which was recently erected in a park near here.
Nineteen statues of state Olympians, including that of Mary Kom, were recently installed in Manipur Olympic Park.
Onler Karong, in an interview with a local newspaper, claimed the statue erected there did not resemble his wife, a six-time women’s boxing world champion and London 2012 Olympic bronze medalist.
Onler Karong or Mary Kom could not be contacted despite repeated efforts.
However, while talking to PTI, his brother Jimmy Kom said he was assured by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) that the statue would be replaced before the park’s inauguration, the date of which has yet to be set.
When contacted, CMO officials told PTI they would not speak to the matter.
“It’s his (Onler) personal opinion,” Jimmy said.
Jimmy said his sister returned home from a tour and didn’t learn about the development until Wednesday, he said.
“There is concern that Onler’s statement could be misinterpreted as the statues were put up to honor our state’s athletes,” Jimmy said.
Two days ago, before the matter was raised, the Chief Minister N Biren Singh had on its official Facebook page said the park “is ready for grand opening. Everyone can now admire the statues of our legendary Olympians, the pride of our nation.”
“The Manipur Olympic Park was built in honor of our Manipur Olympians who brought laurels to the nation. Not only will this place become a major tourist attraction, but it will also inspire young people to reach greater heights in life,” he said in a separate statement. Publish.
Nineteen statues of state Olympians, including that of Mary Kom, were recently installed in Manipur Olympic Park.
Onler Karong, in an interview with a local newspaper, claimed the statue erected there did not resemble his wife, a six-time women’s boxing world champion and London 2012 Olympic bronze medalist.
Onler Karong or Mary Kom could not be contacted despite repeated efforts.
However, while talking to PTI, his brother Jimmy Kom said he was assured by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) that the statue would be replaced before the park’s inauguration, the date of which has yet to be set.
When contacted, CMO officials told PTI they would not speak to the matter.
“It’s his (Onler) personal opinion,” Jimmy said.
Jimmy said his sister returned home from a tour and didn’t learn about the development until Wednesday, he said.
“There is concern that Onler’s statement could be misinterpreted as the statues were put up to honor our state’s athletes,” Jimmy said.
Two days ago, before the matter was raised, the Chief Minister N Biren Singh had on its official Facebook page said the park “is ready for grand opening. Everyone can now admire the statues of our legendary Olympians, the pride of our nation.”
“The Manipur Olympic Park was built in honor of our Manipur Olympians who brought laurels to the nation. Not only will this place become a major tourist attraction, but it will also inspire young people to reach greater heights in life,” he said in a separate statement. Publish.
