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Boxing Federation of India has responded to Tokyo Olympic medalist boxer Lovlina Borgohain's allegations of causing her 'mental harassment' by constantly removing her coaches ahead of the tournament. According to Lovlina, her coach Sandhya Gurung has not been allowed entry into the Commonwealth Games village, which has hugely impacted her training process ahead of the Games.
Responding to the allegation, Boxing Federation of India (BFI) secretary Hemanta Kalita on Monday said the federation tried hard to get an accreditation for Lovlina Borogohains's coach Sandhya Gurung.
"The Indian Olympic Association allotted 25 per cent officials on the total number of athletes. We have 12 athletes, so we get four officials. We made second request to grant permission for another four. This includes coaches, a doctor, physio etc. We put Sandhya Gurung's name in the long list, we requested for her inclusion, the SAI also sanctioned her name but the IOA is not doing it," Kalita was reportedly quoted by Sportstar.
The BFI secretary further revealed that sending a personal coach is a problem for us. "The BFI had requested for Sandhya's accreditation many times. Now without a accreditation card she cannot enter the premises. We did whatever we could do. Sending a personal coach is a problem," she added.
Kalita further revealed that BFI requested the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and even they requested the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) for the same, but it's not being done at the IOA level. "If the IOA gives accreditation, then we will allow her. We are following up on this with the IOA. We have asked Sandhya to stay back. She is still there in England," added Kalita.
Lovlina's coach Sandhya Gurung informed local reporters that the problem arrived when she came to the Games village. "I was told my name was not included in the list of accredited coaches. I have been told that the federation is trying to solve the matter by Monday evening," she was reportedly quoted.
Earlier, Lovlina took to Twitter to share a long note stating that she has been constantly harassed and faced similar treatment before the World Championship in Istanbul and she fears that something similar will happen at the upcoming Birmingham Games. "I don't understand how will I focus on the Games amidst all this? My world championships also suffered because of this. I don't want my CWG results to be affected due to politics. Hoping I will overcome this politics and win a medal for my country. Jai Hind," she wrote.