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Olympic bronze medallist and Indian professional boxer Lovlina Borgohain has levelled serious allegations of gender-discriminatory and disrespectful behaviour against Boxing Federation of India (BFI) executive director and interim committee member Col Arun Malik (Retd). Lovlina is the reigning world champion in the women’s middleweight (75 kg) division and a Khel Ratna awardee. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has reportedly launched an investigation under directions from the Sports Ministry.
According to a report in The Times of India, Lovlina, in her two-page complaint, has described the conduct during a Zoom meeting with TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme) officials as “demeaning” and “humiliating.” The call, held on Monday, July 8 at 12 pm, was convened at Lovlina’s request to discuss her preparations for the World Championships in Liverpool this September.
Lovlina wrote, “Mr Arun Malik… humiliated me in a way no athlete should ever have to endure. He raised his voice, spoke in an aggressively demeaning manner and blatantly told me to ‘shut up, lower your head and do as we say.’” She called the experience “deeply hurtful” and said it made her question the dignity women athletes receive in India.
The incident reportedly stemmed from Lovlina’s request for coach Pranamika Boro to be appointed her personal coach and to allow overseas training in Europe, proposals Malik allegedly rejected before they could be evaluated by TOPS.
In response, Col Malik has denied the accusations, stating: “Lovlina is the pride of the nation. The meeting was professional and attended by SAI and TOPS officials. It was recorded and is available for review. Her concerns were noted and handled per policy.”
The IOA has meanwhile constituted a three-member inquiry committee comprising TOPS CEO Nachhatar Singh Johal, table tennis legend Sharath Kamal, and a female advocate. Though directed to file a report within two weeks, the panel has yet to submit its findings a month later. Meanwhile, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) has initiated an independent probe led by TEAMS division head Ritu Pathik.
When contacted by TOI, Lovlina declined further comment, stating: “I have full faith in the committee and will wait for its findings before speaking publicly.”
Lovlina is part of India’s squad for the upcoming AIBA World Championships in Liverpool from September 4–14.