New Delhi: Boxing Federation of India (BFI) President Ajay Singh alleged on Wednesday that recently suspended BFI Secretary General Hemanta Kalita is preventing Olympic bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain and other Assam boxers from participating in the National Championships.
The event is set to begin on Thursday in Greater Noida.
Addressing an “emergency press conference,” Singh stated that Lovlina, who won her Tokyo Olympics bronze in the 69kg category, is eager to compete in the tournament but is being pressured by Kalita to withdraw.
Kalita, who holds the secretary’s position in the Assam Boxing Association, was recently found guilty of financial mismanagement following an inquiry led by former Delhi High Court judge Sudhir Kumar Jain.
“Assam is discouraging players from competing in the women’s Nationals,” Singh claimed.
ALSO READ: Stranded US astronauts return to Earth after 9 months in space
“Lovlina has expressed her support in a recorded video but is reportedly reconsidering her participation after receiving calls from Hemanta Kalita, who has asked her not to compete. She feels indebted to Assam boxing, which adds to her hesitation.”
Kalita has not responded to the allegations.
Kalita was also among the candidates for the BFI president’s post in the upcoming federation elections.
However, his nomination was rejected due to a mandatory cooling-off period after serving two terms in different roles within the body.
