Hyderabad: Lovlina Borgohain, the Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist has accused the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) of "mentally harassing" her ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
Lovlina took to Twitter to make some serious allegations against BFI. She shared her statement in the form of a picture on her Twitter handle. "It is with a lot of sadness that I say that I have been experiencing a lot of harassment,” Lovlina said in the post on Twitter on Monday.
“Every time my coaches who helped me win a medal at the Olympics have been removed from my training process and competition. One of these coaches, Sandhya Gurung ji, is also a Dronacharya awardee. Despite thousands of requests, they are always allowed late for my training. This hampers my training and puts me through a lot of hardships and mental harassment.
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“Now, my coach Sandhya Gurung ji is out of the Commonwealth Village as she is not allowed entry and my training has been brought to a halt eight days before the Games. My other coach has been sent back to India, despite requesting multiple times. I don’t understand how I am supposed to focus on my game. This situation ruined my performance during the last world championships also. I don’t want this politics to ruin my Commonwealth Games too. I hope I can break through this politics and win a medal for my country. Jai Hind.”
Soon after Lovlina's post, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports swung into action and posted a tweet in response stating that it has urged the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to "immediately arrange for the accreditation of the coach of Lovlina Borgohain." The Department of MYAS issued the update on their official Twitter account, saying: "We have urged the Indian Olympic Association to immediately arrange for the accreditation of the coach of Lovlina Borgohain."
The Boxing Federation of India also issued a statement, saying: "Only 33% of the playing contingent is allowed as Support Staff which in BFI's case for the 12 boxers (8 men and 4 women) stands to be 4 support staff, (including coaches) who were to travel with the Team to Birmingham. The requirements of boxing with respect to coaches and support staff is a little different as there are multiple bouts, which could be one after another."
"The IOA understood BFI's point of view and therefore, extended help with maximum possible additional support staff. With IOA's help the number of support staff went up from 4 to 8 for the entire contingent of 12 boxers. Boxing Federation of India ensured that Sandhya Gurung was at the training camp in Ireland. BFI is closely working with IOA so that Sandhya Gurung could be a part of the team in Birmingham. In the meanwhile, delegate transport and accommodation at ETO's hotel has been already provided to her," it added.
