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 (Boxing Federation of India) 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).
Lovelina Borgohain, who made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in boxing, has alleged that Col Malik’s words were not only disrespectful but also carried an alarming tone of gender-discriminatory dominance. The incident has sparked outrage and calls for an immediate inquiry into the matter.
According to Lovelina, during the Zoom meeting, Col Malik told her to “shut up, lower your head and do as we say.” The boxer was taken aback by the executive director’s words, which she felt were a direct attack on her dignity and achievements. Lovelina has been vocal about her struggles to make it to the top, and her Olympic medal was a testament to her hard work and dedication.
The incident has raised serious questions about the culture and working environment within the BFI and other sports authorities in India. It is unacceptable that an official in a position of authority would speak to a medal-winning athlete in such a manner. Lovelina’s allegations have also sparked concerns about gender discrimination and the lack of respect for women in sports.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has always emphasized the importance of creating a safe and respectful environment for athletes, regardless of their gender. The IOC’s Athletes’ Commission has worked tirelessly to promote gender equality and to eliminate discrimination in sports.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has announced an inquiry into the matter, and Col Malik has been placed under suspension pending the outcome of the investigation. The IOA has also assured Lovelina that it will take all necessary steps to ensure that she feels safe and respected in her role as an athlete.
Lovelina’s allegations have sparked widespread support from the sporting community, with many athletes and coaches expressing outrage and solidarity with the Olympic medalist. The incident has also highlighted the need for greater accountability and transparency within sports authorities in India.
In a statement, Lovelina said, “I am still trying to process what happened during the meeting. His words weren’t only disrespectful but also carried an alarming tone of gender-discriminatory dominance. I felt belittled and humiliated, and I think many other athletes would feel the same way.”
The incident has also raised concerns about the impact it may have on Lovelina’s mental health and well-being. Athletes often face immense pressure to perform, and incidents like this can have a lasting impact on their mental health.
The BFI has issued a statement saying that it will cooperate fully with the IOA’s inquiry and will take necessary steps to ensure that such incidents do not happen in the future. The federation has also assured Lovelina that it values her contributions to Indian boxing and will work to create a safe and respectful environment for all athletes.
In conclusion, Lovelina Borgohain’s allegations against Col Arun Malik are a stark reminder of the need for greater accountability and respect within sports authorities in India. The incident has sparked outrage and calls for an immediate inquiry, and it is essential that those responsible are held accountable. The IOA’s inquiry will provide a platform for Lovelina to share her experience and for the authorities to take necessary steps to prevent such incidents in the future.
