Title: BFI official told me to ‘shut up, lower your head & do as we say’: Olympic medallist Lovlina
The world of sports is often seen as a platform where athletes can shine, make a name for themselves, and bring glory to their country. However, the journey of an athlete is not without its challenges. Recently, Olympic bronze medal-winning boxer Lovlina Borgohain accused BFI executive director Col Arun Malik of humiliating her and undermining her achievements during a Zoom meeting, which was attended by SAI and TOPS officials. The incident has sent shockwaves across the sporting community, and it is imperative to look into the matter and understand what exactly happened.
According to Lovlina, the meeting was supposed to be a discussion about her upcoming tournaments and her preparation, but it took a turn for the worse when Col Malik started speaking. She claims that he told her to “shut up, lower your head and do as we say.” Lovlina’s words were not only disrespectful but also carried an alarming tone of gender-discriminatory dominance.
The incident is all the more disturbing given that Lovlina is a national icon, having won bronze at the Tokyo Olympics. Her achievements are a testament to her hard work and dedication, and it is unacceptable that she was treated in such a manner. The fact that Col Malik’s words were so disrespectful and condescending is a reflection of the deep-seated issues that exist in many sports organizations.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has announced an inquiry into the matter, and it is essential that the investigation is thorough and unbiased. The IOA must ensure that those responsible for Lovlina’s humiliation are held accountable and that measures are taken to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
The incident has also raised questions about the culture within the Boxing Federation of India (BFI). Lovlina’s accusations have sparked an outcry on social media, with many calling for Col Malik’s resignation. The BFI needs to take immediate action to address the allegations and ensure that its officials are held to a higher standard.
It is also important to note that Lovlina’s experience is not an isolated incident. Many athletes have spoken out about similar experiences of being disrespected and humiliated by coaches and officials. The BFI and other sports organizations must recognize that such behavior is unacceptable and take concrete steps to prevent it.
In conclusion, the incident involving Lovlina Borgohain and Col Arun Malik is a disturbing reminder of the deep-seated issues that exist within many sports organizations. It is essential that the IOA conducts a thorough investigation and takes appropriate action to ensure that those responsible are held accountable. The BFI must also take concrete steps to address the allegations and ensure that its officials are held to a higher standard.
The incident is a wake-up call for all sports organizations to recognize the importance of creating a positive and respectful environment for athletes. It is crucial that athletes are treated with dignity and respect, and that their achievements are celebrated and recognized.
As Lovlina herself said, “His words weren’t only disrespectful but also carried an alarming tone of gender-discriminatory dominance.” It is essential that we recognize the impact that such words can have on an athlete’s confidence and well-being.
The incident is a stark reminder of the work that still needs to be done to create a more inclusive and respectful environment for athletes. It is essential that we all work together to create a world where athletes can shine without fear of being disrespected or humiliated.
