Who is Sandhya Gurung, Lovlina Borgohain’s coach?

Lovlina Borgohain, Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist, has accused Boxing Federation of India (BFI) for mentally harassing her. The boxer’s statement comes days ahead of the Commonwealth Games 2022. 

In her statement, posted on social media, Borgohain said that she has ‘been experiencing a lot of harassment’. The 24-year-old is with the Indian contingent preparing for CWG 2022 in Birmingham. 

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Borgohain further added that her coach Sandhya Gurung has been kept out of the Commonwealth village and is not allowed entry. The coach in the boxer’s words, helped her win the bronze in Tokyo. 

“Every time my coaches who helped me win a medal at the Olympics have been removed from my training process and competition. One of these coaches, Sandhya Gurung ji, is also a Dronacharya awardee. Despite thousands of requests, they are always allowed late for my training. This hampers my training and puts me through a lot of hardships and mental harassment.”

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“Now, my coach Sandhya Gurung ji is out of the Commonwealth Village as she is not allowed entry and my training has been brought to a halt eight days before the Games. My other coach has been sent back to India, despite me requesting multiple times. I don’t understand how I am supposed to focus on my game. This situation ruined my performance during the last world championships also. I don’t want this politics to ruin my Commonwealth Games too. I hope I can break through this politics and win a medal for my country. Jai Hind,” she said. 

Who is Sandhya Gurung?

Gurung featured for Prestigious Dronacharya Award for the year 2021. She is the first Sikkimese to receive the Nation’s highest sporting honour in the field of Boxing.

Sandhya Gurung is a National Boxing Coach under Boxing Federation of India (BFI) since last five years.

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The coach from Upper Burtuk, Gangtok has been associated with Lovlina Borgohain for more than six years. The two first met at the sub-junior level in 2012.

She has also trained Sarju Bala Devi, who won the Youth World Boxing Championship. Gurung is married to Manoj Kumar Limboo, a retired Army boxer. She is a certified NIS boxing coach.