Mary stated this situation in her autobiography as, “Meanwhile, women's boxing was becoming a popular sport. In 2003, I received the Arjuna Award, which was a huge boost for my career. With this, my ratings in the marriage market shot up too. Back home, young and old suitors began to approach my parents. In my work sphere too, I began to get a lot of unwanted attention from admirers. All of this made me restless and uncomfortable. I spoke to Onler about the situation.”
Onler thought that Mary would quit her boxing career after the marriage. Onler felt compelled by the need to protect her as he kept himself updated with all the news from the backhome about the proposals her parents are getting and thought that her parents may marry her without her consent and her career may end up.
After some days, Onler proposed her for marriage on phone but she refused because of her career and love for boxing.
Some days passed, Onler took her to coffee shop and said, “‘I want to protect your career, and that is one of the main reasons for my proposal”. He added, “I will never come between you and your career.”
She accepted and married Onler in a secret affair at Delhi court. But she knew that her father will not accept this marriage.
Following is an edited excerpt from the book Unbreakable: An Autobiography, by Mary Kom:
