New Delhi: An inquiry panel formed by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is preparing to look into serious allegations made by Olympic medal-winning boxer Lovlina Borgohain, who has accused a top Boxing Federation of India (BFI) official of inappropriate and discriminatory conduct.
In a formal letter addressed to Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and top officials of the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme) division, the IOA, and BFI, Lovlina claimed she was verbally mistreated by BFI Executive Director Col Arun Malik during a virtual meeting on July 8.
According to the 26-year-old boxer, Malik allegedly used a disrespectful and authoritarian tone during the meeting, especially when she requested that her personal coach be included in the national camp and permitted to accompany her for training sessions in Europe.
Lovlina said her request was met with hostility and condescension.
“He bluntly told me to ‘shut up, lower your head and do as we say.’
His remarks were not just demeaning but carried a tone of gender bias and intimidation,” Lovlina stated in her complaint.
“It made me feel silenced and disrespected — not just as an athlete, but as a woman representing India on the global stage.”
The boxer, who won a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics and holds a world title, has demanded a fair investigation into the matter, calling for accountability and appropriate disciplinary action if her claims are validated.
Col Malik, in his written response, denied all allegations and insisted that he had handled the interaction professionally.
“Her requests were considered but could not be approved as they contradict BFI’s established policy,” he said.
“Under the selection guidelines issued in January 2025, participation in the National Coaching Camp is mandatory, and personal coaches are not allowed as per federation rules.”
Malik further stated that in the interest of uniformity, the BFI does not accommodate individual coaching arrangements within official training structures.
In response to Lovlina’s complaint, the IOA has formed a three-member panel, comprising TOPS CEO N S Johal, vice-chairperson of the IOA Athletes Commission Sharath Kamal, and a woman advocate.
The entire July 8 meeting was reportedly recorded, which is expected to serve as key evidence during the inquiry.
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While the committee was originally expected to submit its findings within two weeks, scheduling conflicts among its members have delayed proceedings.
However, a panel member confirmed that a meeting will be held soon and that the video footage would simplify the investigation.
Malik, it is learnt, has requested the committee to expedite the process and has also asked for access to the recording.
Lovlina, meanwhile, has chosen not to comment further. “I don’t want this issue to affect my training. I’ll speak only after the committee completes its inquiry,” she said.
