Lovlina Borgohain Accuses BFI Official of Gender Bias; IOA Launches Investigation

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Olympic bronze medalist Lovlina Borgohain has raised serious concerns about gender-insensitive and disrespectful conduct allegedly shown towards her by a senior Boxing Federation of India (BFI) official.

According to a Times of India report, the 26-year-old boxer has submitted a formal complaint against BFI's executive director and interim committee member Col Arun Malik (Retd), prompting the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to begin an investigation under the Sports Ministry's directives.

The incident reportedly took place during a Zoom meeting on July 8, which included officials from the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS). The call, held at Lovlina's request, was meant to discuss her training plans for the upcoming AIBA Women's World Championships in Liverpool this September.

In a detailed two-page letter, Lovlina wrote, "Mr Arun Malik... humiliated me in a way no athlete should ever have to endure. He raised his voice, spoke in an aggressively demeaning manner and blatantly told me to 'shut up, lower your head and do as we say.'"

The reigning world champion in the 75 kg category, who is also a recipient of the Khel Ratna award, described the exchange as "deeply hurtful" and claimed it made her reflect on how women athletes are treated in India.

The disagreement reportedly arose after Lovlina requested that her long-time coach Pranamika Boro be officially appointed as her personal coach and sought permission to train abroad in Europe. However, Malik allegedly dismissed these suggestions before they were even presented to the TOPS panel for consideration.

Col Arun Malik, meanwhile, denied the allegations. "Lovlina is the pride of the nation. The meeting was professional and attended by SAI and TOPS officials. It was recorded and is available for review. Her concerns were noted and handled per policy," he stated.

The IOA has set up a three-member panel, including TOPS CEO Nachhatar Singh Johal, Olympian Sharath Kamal, and a woman legal expert. While a report was expected within two weeks, no findings have been made public yet.

Lovlina has refrained from further comment, saying, "I have full faith in the committee and will wait for its findings before speaking publicly."