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 a top official of the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) of humiliating her and undermining her achievements during a Zoom meeting. According to Lovlina, the BFI executive director, Col Arun Malik, told her to “shut up, lower your head and do as we say,” an incident that has left the sporting community reeling.
The incident, which took place recently, was attended by officials from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), making it all the more disturbing. Lovlina, who won the bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, was understandably upset by the behavior of the BFI official and has since spoken out against the incident.
In an interview with the Indian Express, Lovlina shared her harrowing experience, stating, “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.” She further added, “It was a humiliating experience, and I felt belittled and disrespected.”
Lowlina’s statement has sparked outrage among sports fans and advocates, who are calling for immediate action against the BFI official. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has announced an inquiry into the matter, with IOA president PT Usha stating that the organization takes such incidents very seriously.
The incident has also raised questions about the treatment of female athletes in India, particularly in the context of sports. While India has made significant strides in recent years in terms of women’s participation in sports, there is still a long way to go in terms of creating a safe and respectful environment for female athletes.
Lowlina’s experience is a stark reminder of the challenges that female athletes still face in the country. Despite their achievements, they are often subjected to disrespect, humiliation, and even abuse. The incident also highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency in Indian sports, particularly when it comes to the treatment of female athletes.
The BFI has been embroiled in controversy in recent years, with allegations of mismanagement and corruption plaguing the organization. The incident involving Lovlina is just the latest in a series of scandals to hit the BFI, and it is high time for the organization to take responsibility for its actions.
In her statement, Lovlina called for the BFI official to be held accountable for his actions, stating, “I hope the IOA takes serious action against this official and ensures that such incidents do not happen in the future.” She also urged fellow athletes to speak out against such incidents, stating, “We need to stand together and ensure that our voices are heard.”
The incident involving Lovlina is a stark reminder of the need for greater respect and dignity for female athletes in India. As the country prepares for the upcoming Commonwealth Games and other international events, it is imperative that we create a safe and respectful environment for all athletes, regardless of gender.
In conclusion, Lovlina’s experience is a wake-up call for the Indian sports community, highlighting the need for greater accountability, transparency, and respect for female athletes. The IOA inquiry is a step in the right direction, but it is only the beginning. We need to work towards creating a culture of respect and inclusivity in Indian sports, where all athletes can thrive without fear of discrimination or abuse.
