BFI Official Told Me to ‘Shut Up, Lower Your Head & Do as We Say’: Olympic Medallist Lovlina
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has recently launched an inquiry into the allegations of disrespect and humiliation made by Olympic bronze medal-winning boxer Lovlina Borgohain against a senior official of the Boxing Federation of India (BFI). Lovlina, who is a rising star in Indian boxing, claims that BFI executive director Col Arun Malik spoke to her in a condescending and gender-discriminatory tone during a Zoom meeting, which was attended by officials from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).
In an interview with a leading news publication, Lovlina recounted the shocking incident, saying that Col Malik told her to “shut up, lower your head and do as we say” during the meeting. The 24-year-old boxer from Assam alleged that the BFI official’s words were not only disrespectful but also carried an alarming tone of gender-discriminatory dominance.
According to Lovlina, the Zoom meeting was supposed to be a discussion about her preparations for the upcoming competitions, but it quickly turned into a humiliating experience for her. She claimed that Col Malik spoke to her in a condescending tone, dismissing her achievements and undermining her confidence. Lovlina said that she felt disrespected and belittled by the BFI official’s behavior, and that she was left feeling demotivated and demoralized.
“It was a very humiliating experience for me. He didn’t even look at me while speaking, and his tone was very condescending. He told me to ‘shut up, lower your head and do as we say’. His words weren’t only disrespectful, but also carried an alarming tone of gender-discriminatory dominance,” Lovlina said in an interview.
The IOA has launched an inquiry into the matter, and an investigation is underway to determine the facts of the case. The IOA has also sought a report from the BFI on the incident, and has promised to take appropriate action if the allegations are found to be true.
The incident has sparked outrage among sports enthusiasts and fans, who are demanding accountability from the BFI and its officials. Many have taken to social media to express their support for Lovlina, and to condemn the behavior of Col Malik.
The incident is also a wake-up call for the Indian sports establishment, which has been criticized for its lack of support for women athletes. The BFI has been accused of gender bias and favoritism in the past, and this incident only adds to the growing concerns about the organization’s treatment of women boxers.
Lovlina’s allegations have also raised questions about the culture of respect and inclusivity within the BFI. The organization has a responsibility to create a safe and respectful environment for all its athletes, regardless of their gender or background. The BFI must take immediate action to address the concerns raised by Lovlina and to ensure that such incidents do not happen in the future.
The IOA inquiry is a positive step towards addressing the allegations, and we hope that it will lead to a thorough investigation and appropriate action. The Indian sports establishment must take a zero-tolerance approach to disrespect and humiliation, and must ensure that all athletes are treated with dignity and respect.
In conclusion, Lovlina’s allegations against Col Malik are a stark reminder of the need for greater accountability and inclusivity within the Indian sports establishment. The IOA inquiry is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to address the underlying issues and to create a safe and respectful environment for all athletes.
