By India’s Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist and reigning world champion boxer, Lovlina Borgohain, has accused Boxing Federation of India’s (BFI) executive director, Col Arun Malik, of “disrespectful and gender-discriminatory behaviour” during an online meeting held on July 8. The incident, which allegedly took place in the presence of officials from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), has triggered a formal complaint and an official inquiry.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA), upon receiving Lovlina’s complaint, has constituted a three-member panel to investigate the matter. The panel includes TOPS CEO N S Johal, IOA Athletes Commission vice-chairperson Sharath Kamal, and a woman advocate to ensure gender sensitivity during the inquiry.
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The Complaint and Allegations
In her written complaint addressed to Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, the SAI Director General, the TOPS division, the IOA, and the BFI, Lovlina detailed the events of the July . She stated that during the call, she had requested that her personal coach, who was also present on the video call, be allowed to join the national camp and accompany her for overseas training in Europe.
This request, though contrary to BFI’s current policy, was presented by Lovlina as critical to her preparation for upcoming international competitions, including the Paris Olympics.
However, Lovlina alleged that Col Malik responded in a highly disrespectful and aggressive manner. In her statement, she wrote:
She further expressed that the incident left her feeling “small, unheard, and powerless.” Emphasizing the broader implications, she added:
Lovlina urged the authorities to conduct a “fair and swift inquiry” into the incident and take “necessary disciplinary action” if the BFI official’s actions are found to be in violation of acceptable conduct.
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BFI Official’s Denial
In response to the allegations, Col Arun Malik categorically denied any wrongdoing. He stated that Lovlina’s requests were considered but ultimately declined in line with BFI policy, and the conversation was handled respectfully.
He pointed out that the BFI’s selection and training policy, updated in January 2025, clearly mandates that all athletes must participate in the National Coaching Camp to be eligible for evaluation and selection for international competitions.
IOA Steps In
The Indian Olympic Association acted swiftly in response to the complaint and formed an internal panel to investigate the matter. The committee was initially expected to submit its report within two weeks of receiving the complaint. However, due to prior professional commitments of the panel members, a meeting has yet to be held.
An IOA panel member, requesting anonymity, acknowledged the delay:
According to reports, the entire Zoom interaction between Lovlina and Malik was recorded, providing valuable evidence for the panel’s investigation. Malik, in fact, has formally requested access to the video recording and has urged the committee to expedite the inquiry to ensure a timely resolution.
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Lovlina Maintains Silence Ahead of Paris Olympics
While the matter has gained national attention, Lovlina has opted to maintain a low profile, focusing on her preparations for the Paris Olympics. In a brief statement, she said
As a decorated athlete who has brought India international acclaim, Lovlina’s words underscore the mental strain athletes often endure beyond the ring. Her decision to remain silent until the inquiry concludes also highlights her commitment to professionalism and focus.
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A Broader Conversation on Athlete Welfare
This incident has sparked wider debates in sporting circles about athlete autonomy, gender sensitivity, and administrative conduct within national sports bodies. Several former athletes and commentators have weighed in, calling for clearer policies and more transparent mechanisms to address grievances without jeopardizing athletes’ morale or performance.
While BFI has cited policy as the reason for declining Lovlina’s request, others argue that individualized coaching arrangements are critical for high-performance athletes — especially in combat sports like boxing, where strategy and mental preparation are deeply personalized.
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What Happens Next?
All eyes are now on the IOA panel. With video evidence available, the inquiry is expected to reach a conclusion quickly once the meeting is convened. The outcome of this case could have broader implications for how sports federations in India handle athlete grievances, especially those involving senior officials.
If the panel finds merit in Lovlina’s claims, it could prompt stricter conduct guidelines for administrators interacting with athletes, particularly women. Conversely, if the allegations are not substantiated, the case may lead to calls for clearer communication protocols and expectations between athletes and federations.
Conclusion
The allegations raised by Lovlina Borgohain bring to light the sensitive balance between administrative protocols and athlete support. While institutions like the BFI must ensure policy compliance, it is equally important to treat athletes with dignity and respect — especially those who have consistently brought honour to the country.
As India continues to invest in Olympic sports and aims for a strong showing at Paris 2024, ensuring the mental and emotional well-being of its athletes will be as crucial as physical preparation.
The sporting world now waits for the findings of the inquiry — not just to bring justice to Lovlina, but to set a precedent for athlete-administrator dynamics in Indian sport going forward
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