BFI Official Told Me to “Shut Up, Lower Your Head & Do as We Say”: Olympic Medallist Lovlina
In a shocking revelation, Olympic bronze medal-winning boxer Lovlina Borgohain has accused BFI executive director Col Arun Malik of humiliating her and undermining her achievements during a Zoom meeting. The meeting was attended by officials from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).
According to Lovlina, Col Malik’s words were not only disrespectful but also carried an alarming tone of gender-discriminatory dominance. She alleges that the BFI official told her to “shut up, lower your head and do as we say” during the meeting.
This incident has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the treatment of athletes by sports administrators in India. Lovlina’s accusations have also led to a formal inquiry by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
In an interview, Lovlina recounted the events leading up to the Zoom meeting, saying that she had requested a meeting with Col Malik to discuss her training and preparation for the upcoming international tournaments. She had also sought his guidance on how to overcome the challenges she was facing in her career.
However, the meeting took an unexpected turn, with Col Malik allegedly belittling Lovlina’s achievements and questioning her dedication to her sport. Lovlina claims that Col Malik was dismissive of her concerns and told her to focus on winning medals rather than her personal development as an athlete.
The final straw came when Col Malik allegedly told Lovlina to “shut up, lower your head and do as we say”. Lovlina was taken aback by the official’s words, which she felt were not only disrespecting her but also undermining her hard-earned achievements.
“I felt humiliated and disrespected. His words were not only unprofessional but also carried an alarming tone of gender-discriminatory dominance,” Lovlina said in an interview.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the Indian sports community, with many athletes and officials expressing their support for Lovlina. The IOA has launched a formal inquiry into the matter, and Col Malik has been asked to respond to the allegations.
This incident is not the first time that Lovlina has faced challenges in her career. In the past, she has spoken out about the lack of support and resources available to athletes in India. She has also been critical of the BFI’s handling of the national team’s preparation for international tournaments.
Lovlina’s allegations against Col Malik have sparked a wider conversation about the treatment of athletes in India. Many have called for greater accountability and transparency from sports administrators, and for athletes to be treated with respect and dignity.
The IOA’s inquiry into the matter is a positive step towards addressing these concerns. It is essential that the organization takes swift and decisive action to ensure that athletes are protected from harassment and discrimination.
In conclusion, Lovlina Borgohain’s allegations against BFI executive director Col Arun Malik are a stark reminder of the need for greater accountability and respect in Indian sports. As we move forward, it is essential that we prioritize the well-being and dignity of our athletes, and work towards creating a more positive and supportive environment for them to thrive.
