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 the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) executive director Col Arun Malik of humiliating her and undermining her achievements during a Zoom meeting. The meeting, which was attended by officials from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), has sparked outrage and calls for an inquiry into the alleged incident.
According to Lovlina, Col Malik’s behavior was not only disrespectful but also carried an alarming tone of gender-discriminatory dominance. The 24-year-old boxer from Assam has been a trailblazer in Indian boxing, winning a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics and becoming the first Indian boxer to do so in 25 years. Her achievements have earned her widespread recognition and admiration, but it seems that not everyone is pleased with her success.
In an interview with the Indian Express, Lovlina recounted the incident, saying, “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. It was as if he was trying to assert his authority over me, and I felt belittled and humiliated.”
Lovlina’s allegations have sparked outrage in the sports community, with many calling for an immediate inquiry into the matter. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has also taken cognizance of the incident and has initiated an inquiry into the allegations.
The incident has also raised questions about the culture within the BFI and the treatment of female athletes. Lovlina has been a vocal advocate for women’s rights and has spoken out about the challenges faced by female athletes in India. Her allegations have sparked a wider conversation about the need for greater respect and support for women in sports.
The BFI has also come under fire for its handling of the incident. While Col Malik has denied making any inappropriate remarks, Lovlina’s allegations have left many questioning the organization’s commitment to protecting its athletes.
The incident has also highlighted the need for greater accountability within sports organizations. The BFI is responsible for governing and promoting boxing in India, and it is expected to provide a safe and supportive environment for its athletes. However, Lovlina’s allegations suggest that the organization may not be living up to these expectations.
The IOA has announced that it will conduct a thorough inquiry into the incident and has assured Lovlina that her allegations will be taken seriously. The organization has also called for a change in the culture within the BFI and has urged the organization to take steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The incident has also sparked a wider conversation about the need for greater respect and support for women in sports. Lovlina’s allegations have highlighted the challenges faced by female athletes in India, including discrimination, harassment, and a lack of support from their organizations.
The government has also taken notice of the incident and has assured Lovlina that her allegations will be investigated. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has announced that it will conduct an inquiry into the incident and has assured Lovlina that her allegations will be taken seriously.
The incident has also raised questions about the role of the SAI and TOPS in the alleged incident. Both organizations are responsible for providing support and resources to Indian athletes, including Lovlina. However, Lovlina’s allegations suggest that they may not have done enough to protect her from Col Malik’s behavior.
In conclusion, Lovlina’s allegations against Col Arun Malik have sparked a wider conversation about the need for greater respect and support for women in sports. The incident highlights the challenges faced by female athletes in India, including discrimination, harassment, and a lack of support from their organizations. The IOA, BFI, and the government must take immediate action to investigate the incident and to ensure that such incidents do not happen in the future.
