The Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain alleges the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) for mentally abusing her by frequently switching coaches, in a tweet.
She described how her coaches, who helped her in winning the Olympic medal, were frequently removed from her training sessions but were later granted entry after requests. She added that Sandhya Gurung, her coach, is temporarily barred from entering the Commonwealth Games Village.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports responded to boxer Lovlina Borgohain’s lengthy Twitter post on Monday by taking quick steps to “immediately arrange for the accreditation of the coach of Lovlina Borgohain.”
We have urged the Indian Olympic Association to immediately arrange for the accreditation of the coach of Lovlina Borgohain. https://t.co/6GhD72cvY4
— Dept of Sports MYAS (@IndiaSports) July 25, 2022
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.