Lovlina makes mental harassment claims ahead of CWG, internet shows support

Lovlina Borgohain, Tokyo Olympics bronze winner, on Monday accused the Boxing Federation of India of mentally harassing her. The 24-year-old boxer’s statement came days ahead of the Commonwealth Games 2022. 

The Indian boxing squad reached the Games Village on Sunday night after a training stint in Ireland but Lovlina’s personal coach Sandhya Gurung could not enter the Village since she does not have accreditation.

Also read: Why boxer Lovlina Borgohain’s coach is not a part of CWG 2022 contingent, BFI explains

In her statement, Borgohain said that she has ‘been experiencing a lot of harassment’. 

“Today with a lot of grief, I want to tell everyone about the continuous harassment going on with me. The coaches who helped me win an Olympic medal are always being side-lined which has severely impacted my training schedule,” the boxer wrote in her twitter post.

Also read: Lovlina to Chandan Pathak: Athletes who made mental harassment claims

“One of the coaches is Sandhya Gurungji, who is a Dronacharya awardee. I had to plead with folded hands to get my coaches included in the contingent. I am feeling mentally harassed because of this ordeal,” she posted. “Right now, my coach Sandhya Gurung is standing outside the CWG village and not being allowed to enter. Just eight days before the start of my event, my training schedule has been hampered. My other coach has been sent back to India,” she said.

Reacting to Borgohain’s accusations, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra tweeted, “@LovlinaBorgohai is an asset to our nation, she should be encouraged and supported in every way. I hope the government will look into her complaint and do everything possible to stop the harassment she is facing.”

Also Read: Commonwealth Games 2022: Overview, events, fixtures, venue & telecast

Navajyoti Patnaik, a Congress worker, said, “It’s unfortunate that pride of India, Olympic medallist boxer Lovlina Borgohain faces mental harassment at the training centre. This must stop immediately. Union Minister of Sports @ianuragthakur should intervene in this matter!”

“Painful. Olympic Medalist Indian Boxer Lovlina Borgohain Accuses of Harrasment Shame Strict Action Needed,” another social media user tweeted. 

Some Twitter users compared Lovlina Borgohain’s situation to table tennis star Manika Batra’s. The athlete was in a tiff with the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) over her refusal to be under the guidance of national coach Soumyadeep Roy. 

“Same had happened with our table tennis champion. She wasn’t allowed with her coach.And same is happening with you.Govt will be there when you will be holding a medal again,but won’t be a part of your preparation.But it should be completely opposite.Stay strong mam & all the best,” one Twitter user said. 

Also Read: Medals later, focusing on giving my best: Para athlete Bhavina Patel ahead of maiden CWG berth

“Yeah, just saw! This is the state of Olympic medallist in our country. A similar incident with Manika at Tokyo, personal coach wasn’t allowed. Also Aditi had to travel from Olympic Village to golf course 2-3 hrs of travel everyday. Hopefully, sorted out quickly & isn’t repeated,” another one tweeted. 

 BFI reacted to Borgohain’s accusations. Speaking to Sportstar, secretary Hemanta Kalita said the  federation tried to get an accreditation for Borgohain’s coach Sandhya Gurung but wasn’t successful.