More than three weeks after Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain accused Boxing Federation of India (BFI) executive director Col Arun Malik of “disrespectful” and “gender-discriminatory behaviour,” the Indian Olympic Association (IOA)-appointed panel tasked with probing the complaint is yet to submit its report.
The alleged incident took place during a Zoom meeting on July 8, where Lovlina claimed BFI executive director Col Arun Malik “humiliated” her when she requested the inclusion of Pranamika Boro, a long-serving coach of the Indian women’s boxing team, and a part of the 2024 Paris Olympics contingent, for the national camp and an upcoming European training tour.
In her letter, Lovlina, a Khel Ratna awardee from Assam wrote, “I write this letter not just as an athlete, but as a woman who has spent years carrying the hopes of a nation in the boxing ring — with pride, pain and perseverance. What happened during a recent official meeting with the BFI and the TOPS on July 8, 2024, at 12 pm has left me deeply hurt, disheartened.”
“In the presence of respected individuals from TOPS, boxing coach Pranamika Boro, (other) BFI members, Mr Arun Malik, an official of BFI, humiliated me in a way no athlete should ever have to endure. He raised his voice at me, spoke in an aggressively demeaning manner, and blatantly told me to ‘shut up, lower your head and do as we say’. His words were not only disrespectful but also carried an alarming tone of gender-discriminatory and authoritarian dominance — something that no one, especially a woman who has brought honour to the nation, should be subjected to,” the letter further added.
“In a space where I expected professionalism, support and mutual respect, I was made to feel small, unheard, and powerless. It was not just a personal insult — it was an attack on every woman athlete who dreams of standing tall, both in and outside the ring…,” wrote the 26-year-old pugilist, who is part of the Indian contingent for the AIBA World Championships in Liverpool from September 4–14.
“I request the authorities for a fair and swift inquiry into Malik’s conduct during the meeting and necessary disciplinary action if these actions are found to be in violation of acceptable conduct,” she concluded.
Lovlina, also a world champion and one of India’s most celebrated boxers, addressed her formal complaint to Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, SAI Director General Hari Ranjan Rao, Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) division, IOA and the BFI.
Malik denies allegations
On his part, Col Malik has firmly denied the charges, calling them “devoid of any merit.”
“Lovlina is the pride of the nation, and we at BFI take immense pride in her achievements, especially her Olympic bronze. I respectfully and categorically deny the allegations levelled. The call in question was thoroughly professional in its entirety. Lovlina’s requests were considered and respectfully declined, as they are inconsistent with BFI policy,” he stated, referring to the 2025 selection rules that require all athletes to attend national camps.
“In the interest of fairness and uniformity, BFI does not permit personal coaches or support staff within the National Camp.”
IOA panel yet to submit report
In response to the allegations, the IOA had announced the formation of a three-member inquiry committee consisting of TOPS CEO Nachhatar Singh Johal, athlete representative Sharath Kamal, and a female legal expert. The committee was initially expected to deliver its findings within two weeks.
However, the probe has yet to make progress, with one member citing scheduling conflicts for the delay.