Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist and world champion boxer Lovlina Borgohain has accused Col Arun Malik (Retd), executive director of the Boxing Federation of India (BFI), of “disrespectful and gender-discriminatory behaviour” during a Zoom meeting on July 8, prompting the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to launch an investigation.

In a formal complaint to Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), IOA, and BFI, the 27-year-old Khel Ratna awardee alleged Malik humiliated her by aggressively dismissing her requests to include her personal coach, Pranamika Boro, in the national camp at NIS Patiala and for overseas training in Europe ahead of the World Championships in Liverpool (September 4-14).

Lovlina detailed the incident, stating Malik told her to “shut up, lower your head and do as we say,” describing his tone as authoritarian and gender-biased. “I was made to feel small, unheard, and powerless,” she wrote, calling it an attack on women athletes’ dignity. She urged for a “fair and swift inquiry” and disciplinary action if Malik’s conduct violated acceptable standards. The meeting, attended by SAI and TOPS officials, was recorded, and the footage is under review by a three-member IOA panel comprising TOPS CEO N S Johal, Olympian Sharath Kamal, and a female advocate.

Malik denied the allegations, calling them “devoid of merit” and asserting the meeting was professional. He cited BFI’s January 2025 policy, which mandates national camp attendance for international selection and bars personal coaches to ensure fairness. The IOA panel, delayed by members’ prior commitments, aims to deliver its report soon, with Malik pressing for expedited review of the recording. Lovlina, focusing on her training, declined further comment, stating, “I don’t want to affect my game until the committee decides.”

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The controversy has sparked widespread support for Lovlina, with fans and activists on X praising her courage in addressing gender bias in sports governance. The inquiry’s outcome could set a precedent for athlete treatment in India, as the nation rallies behind its boxing star.

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