BFI Official Told Me to ‘Shut Up, Lower Your Head & Do as We Say’: Olympic Medallist Lovlina
The world of sports is often touted as a platform where individuals from diverse backgrounds come together to compete, learn, and grow. However, the recent allegations made by Olympic bronze medal-winning boxer Lovlina Borgohain against the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) executive director Col Arun Malik have raised serious concerns about the treatment of athletes and the culture of disrespect and dominance that may exist within the organization.
According to Lovlina, during a Zoom meeting that was attended by officials from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), Col Malik made humiliating and gender-discriminatory comments that left her feeling disrespected and belittled. In an interview with the Indian Express, Lovlina revealed that the BFI official told her to “shut up, lower your head and do as we say” during the meeting.
These words, as Lovlina pointed out, not only carried a tone of disrespect but also conveyed a sense of gender-discriminatory dominance. It is unacceptable that an official in a position of authority could stoop to such levels, and it is equally disturbing that such behavior could be condoned or ignored by others present at the meeting.
Lovlina’s allegations have sparked outrage and concern across the sporting community, with many calling for an immediate investigation into the matter. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has announced that it will conduct an inquiry into the incident, and it is hoped that this investigation will lead to concrete action being taken against those responsible.
The incident highlights the need for greater attention to be paid to the treatment of athletes and the culture of respect within sporting organizations. It is essential that athletes feel valued, respected, and supported, both on and off the field. The BFI, as a governing body, has a responsibility to create an environment that is conducive to the growth and development of its athletes.
Furthermore, the incident raises questions about the accountability of officials and the measures in place to prevent such behavior. It is crucial that there are consequences for those who engage in discriminatory or disrespectful behavior, and that athletes have access to support and resources to deal with such incidents.
Lovlina’s bravery in speaking out about her experience is a testament to her strength and resilience. It is only by sharing our stories and experiences that we can create a culture of openness and transparency, and work towards creating a more inclusive and respectful environment for all.
In the wake of this incident, it is essential that the BFI takes concrete steps to address the concerns raised by Lovlina and to ensure that athletes are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. This includes conducting an independent inquiry into the incident, taking disciplinary action against Col Malik, and implementing measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The IOA’s decision to conduct an inquiry is a positive step forward, and it is hoped that this investigation will lead to meaningful change and accountability. As a nation, we have a responsibility to support our athletes and ensure that they feel valued and respected. It is only by working together that we can create a sporting culture that is inclusive, respectful, and conducive to the growth and development of our athletes.
