Lovlina Borgohain complains of harassment ahead of CWG 2022

The 24-year-old pugilist stated that the changing of coaches is hindering her training process.

Olympic medallist Lovlina Borgohain has alleged mental harassment for changing before the Commonwealth Games 2022 on Monday. The Indian boxer tweeted a Whatsapp screenshot where she alleged politics meddling in her training process.

On her Twitter, she said, "I am saying this with a lot of sadness that I am experiencing a lot of harassment. I am being harassed every time my coaches who helped me win a medal at the Olympics are removed from my training process and competition. One of these coaches Sandhya Gurung Ji, is also a Dronacharya awardee."

She further added, "Despite several requests both my coaches are always appointed late for the training. I have to go through a lot of hardships which thus hurts my training process and also puts me through mental harassment."

"My coach Sandhya Gurung Ji is currently standing outside the Commonwealth Games Village and is being denied entry. This has put a halt to my training process just eight days before the event. My other coach has also been sent back to India. After multiple requests, I am still being put under mental hardship. I don't know how to focus on my game. Due to this, it hurt my last World Championships and I don't want to ruin my Commonwealth Games too. I hope I can break through this politics and bring a medal for the country. Jai Hind."

In response to her tweet the Department of Sports, Ministry of Youth Affairs urged the Indian Olympic Association to immediately arrange for the accreditation of the coach.

While Boxing Federation of India in their press statement said, "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 are 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 the 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."

Lovlina Borgohain claimed a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics as she lost her semifinal bout against the World Champion Busanez Surmenali. The welterweight pugilist became the third Indian boxer to bag an Olympic medal after Vijender Singh and MC Mary Kom. Lovlina Borgohain will be in action at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games to overcome her disappointing pre-quarterfinal defeat at the World Championships.

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