BFI Official Told Me to ‘Shut Up, Lower Your Head & Do as We Say’: Olympic Medallist Lovlina
India’s boxing sensation Lovlina Borgohain, the Olympic bronze medal-winning boxer, has made a shocking revelation about her interaction with a high-ranking official of the Boxing Federation of India (BFI). In a recent Zoom meeting, Lovlina was allegedly told to “shut up, lower your head, and do as we say” by BFI executive director Col Arun Malik. The incident has sent shockwaves through the Indian sports fraternity, with many calling for an inquiry into the matter.
According to Lovlina, the meeting was attended by officials from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), among others. However, it was during this meeting that Col Malik allegedly made the demeaning remarks, which Lovlina described as not only disrespectful but also carrying an “alarming tone of gender-discriminatory dominance.”
The incident has left Lovlina feeling humiliated and disrespected, and she has demanded an inquiry into the matter. Speaking to a national daily, Lovlina said, “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. I was taken aback by his behavior and felt disrespected.”
Lovlina’s statement has sparked outrage among fans and fellow athletes, who have taken to social media to express their shock and disappointment. Many have called for Col Malik’s removal from his position and demanded a thorough investigation into the matter.
The incident has also raised questions about the culture within the BFI and the treatment of its female athletes. Lovlina’s revelation has highlighted the need for greater awareness and education about gender sensitivity and respect in sports.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has announced an inquiry into the matter, with IOA secretary general Rajeev Mehta saying that the organization is “taking the matter very seriously.” Mehta added that the IOA is “working closely with the BFI and the athletes” to resolve the issue.
Lovlina’s Olympic bronze medal win in Tokyo last year was a historic moment for Indian boxing, and her achievement was widely celebrated across the country. However, her recent revelation has cast a shadow over her achievement, and her feelings of disrespect and humiliation have left many wondering about the culture within the BFI.
The incident has also sparked a wider conversation about gender discrimination in sports and the need for greater awareness and education. Lovlina’s revelation is a stark reminder that gender discrimination is still a pervasive problem in many sports, and that more needs to be done to address this issue.
In conclusion, Lovlina’s revelation is a disturbing reminder of the kind of behavior that is still tolerated in some sports organizations. It is imperative that the BFI takes immediate action to address this issue and ensures that its female athletes are treated with respect and dignity. The IOA’s inquiry is a welcome development, and we hope that it leads to a thorough investigation and appropriate action.
