By Gautam Sheth
Husband of five-time world champion MC Mary Kom, Onler is the man behind the scenes, literally. At the sidelines of Olympic Gold Quest’s felicitation of Mary Kom and Gagan Narang in the city for their bright performances in Commonwealth Games and Asiad, Onler’s presence was completely nondescript to say the least.
He says he prefers it that way. “My sole aim is to shield Mary from external distractions and keep her focussed on the way ahead,” said Onler.
He is not only an ideal husband but also the ‘mother’ to their twins Rengpa and Naidong.
“I don’t let Mary worry about the kids, Olympic gold is her priority and being a former sportsperson, I understand what one needs,” Onler explained.
Like any husband, Onler too bites his nails every time Mary enters the ring. Like a true soul-mate he feels the pain when Mary is punched by her opponents.
“It isn’t easy to just sit down quietly when your wife is being punched around,” said Onler, who also plays the role of Mary’s friend, philosopher and guide. But the most challenging task till now for him has been the nappy changing times when the three-year four months old twins cry in the midnight.
Sacrifice is the only way ahead for both and the two have proved it amply. While Mary sacrifices the time she could spend with her kids, Onler sacrificed his well paying job in Customs and Excise department in Meghalaya.
“One of the reasons I got married to Mary was because she needed someone who could convert her dreams into reality. It wasn’t Mary’s beauty or fame that got me attracted to her,” confessed Onler.
The two decided to vow each other for their lifetime at Manipur Baptist Convention Church on March 12th 2005. Rechungvar Kom (Rengpa) and Khupneivar Kom (Naidong) were born on August 5, 2007. But that didn’t stop Mary from becoming a world champion again.
“My father told me to stop boxing once and for all after delivering the kids, but my in-laws and Onler made sure that I look for the elusive Olympic gold,” admitted Mary.
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