IOA panel finds no evidence of gender discrimination in Lovlina Borgohain’s complaint | Boxing News

New Delhi: The Indian Olympic Association’s (IOA) three-member committee, constituted to investigate Lovlina Borgohain’s allegations of rude behaviour by Boxing Federation of India’s (BFI) executive director Arun Malik, has prima facie found no evidence of ‘gender-discriminatory’ behaviour by the retired Armyman towards the Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist boxer, TOI has learnt. The committee, which comprised Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) CEO Nachhatar Singh Johal, IOA’s Athletes Commission vice-chairperson Sharath Kamal, and a female advocate, absolved Malik of gender discrimination charges but recommended that the BFI and every other national sports federation (NSF) adopt a more flexible approach in dealing with their sportspersons and implement an “athlete-centric” and “athlete-first” strategy. Lovlina, a former middleweight world champion, accused Malik of disrespectful and rude conduct showing gender bias during a TOPS meeting held via Zoom on July 8 this year. Following her complaint, the PT Usha-led IOA formed a panel under the direction of the sports ministry. An official in the know of the development informed that the committee reviewed the 45-minute video recording of the meeting to examine Lovlina’s allegations. It was noted that while Malik disagreed with Lovlina’s request for Pranamika Boro as her personal coach for the boxer’s own benefit and betterment, and spoke loudly and authoritatively on a couple of occasions during the meeting, his behaviour cannot be construed as disrespecting Lovlina. “The video recording helped the committee reach an informed decision. The committee didn’t find any evidence to relate Malik’s behaviour to one having gender-discriminatory overtones. However, he should have been more flexible in listening to what Lovlina was demanding and shown calmness of mind. One must be restrained when talking to a female athlete, that too of Lovlina’s stature. The committee’s job was to investigate and give its recommendations to the IOA and the ministry. The final call or any action in the matter will be taken by Usha and the ministry,” the official said. It has been learnt that the committee submitted its report to both the IOA and the ministry some time ago, but the findings have not been made public yet. The findings have also not been shared with Lovlina and Malik.