Lovlina Borgohain Alleges Disrespect by Boxing Federation

New Delhi, Aug 7 (PTI): Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist boxer Lovlina Borgohain has raised allegations of "disrespectful and gender-discriminatory behavior" against the Boxing Federation of India's executive director, Col Arun Malik. The Sports Authority of India (SAI) is currently investigating the matter, with a report expected soon.

In a formal complaint addressed to Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, SAI Director General, the TOPS division, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), and the Boxing Federation of India (BFI), Lovlina detailed an incident from a Zoom meeting on July 8 involving SAI and TOPS officials. During the meeting, Lovlina requested permission for her personal coach, also present in the call, to join the national camp, and to travel with her for training in Europe, requests that are against BFI policy.

Lovlina alleges that Malik responded aggressively and rudely, saying, "He blatantly told me to 'shut up, lower your head and do as we say.' His words were not only disrespectful but also carried an alarming tone of gender-discriminatory and authoritarian dominance—something that no one, especially a woman who has brought honor to the nation, should be subjected to," Lovlina stated in her complaint.

She described the incident as not just a personal insult but an attack on every woman athlete with aspirations of standing tall inside and outside the ring. She has requested a "fair and swift inquiry" and necessary disciplinary action if Malik’s actions are found to violate acceptable conduct standards.

Malik, however, denied these allegations, stating that they were "devoid of any merit." He explained that Lovlina's requests were considered and respectfully declined because they were inconsistent with BFI policies.

According to Malik, the BFI Selection Policy published in January 2025 mandates participation in the National Coaching Camp for consideration in evaluations and selections for international competitions. "BFI, in the interest of fairness and uniformity, does not permit personal coaches or support staff within the National Camp," Malik stated.

The IOA formed a panel to look into the complaint, comprising TOPS CEO N S Johal, IOA's athletes commission vice chairperson Sharath Kamal, and a woman advocate. The entire interaction between Lovlina and Malik was recorded, and a panel member mentioned that the report would be submitted soon.

However, the committee's report has been delayed due to "some prior commitments of its members," but the panel aims to convene soon and review the video evidence. Malik has asked for the process to be expedited and has requested a copy of the video recording.

Lovlina has chosen not to comment further, saying, "I don't want to focus on this right now because it will affect my game. I don't want to comment until the committee comes up with a decision." Lovlina, who is also a world champion, remains focused on her sport.

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