Indian woman boxer Lovlina Borgohain has made serious allegations of discriminatory and disrespectful behavior towards women against the Executive Director of the Boxing Federation of India (BFI), Retired Colonel Arun Malik.
Female Boxer Lovlina Borgohain: Indian woman boxer and Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist Lovlina Borgohain has made serious allegations against the Executive Director of the Boxing Federation of India (BFI), Retired Colonel Arun Malik. She has alleged that Malik behaved disrespectfully and discriminatorily towards her during a Zoom meeting. This matter has created a stir in the Indian sports world.
Lovlina has sent a detailed two-page complaint letter regarding this incident to the Ministry of Sports, TOPS Division, Indian Olympic Association (IOA), BFI, and Sports Authority of India (SAI). She stated that this is not just a matter of her being a player, but an issue of a female athlete's respect.
Lovlina's Complaint: 'I was told to shut up and keep my head down'
Lovlina wrote in her complaint:
'On July 8th, during the TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme) meeting, Colonel Malik shouted at me. He said – 'Shut up, keep your head down, and do what is being said.' This behavior was not only disrespectful, but also an abuse of power and discrimination against women. This incident has caused me deep sorrow and mental distress.'
She further stated that if female athletes who win medals for the country also have to endure such behavior, it raises questions about the entire system.
IOA formed an inquiry committee, but the report is yet to come
Taking the matter seriously, the Indian Olympic Association has formed a three-member inquiry committee. This committee includes:
- A female lawyer
- Table tennis player Sharath Kamal
- TOPS CEO Nachhattar Singh Johal
The committee was instructed to submit the report within two weeks, but almost a month has passed and the report has not yet been made public. This is raising further questions about the matter. Meanwhile, SAI officer Ritu Pathik is also conducting an independent investigation into the matter.
Accused Officer Arun Malik Denies Allegations
On this entire controversy, Colonel Arun Malik has completely denied all the allegations made by Lovlina. He said:
'Lovlina is the pride of India. The meeting was conducted in a completely professional manner. The recording of it is available with all the concerned officials. We listened to Lovlina and respected her in accordance with the rules.'
Malik's statement makes it clear that the BFI is not acknowledging this allegation, while Lovlina considers it a matter of respect for female athletes.
