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Lovlina Borgohain says mentally harassed ahead of CWG, sports ministry asks IOC to act

Boxer Lovlina Borgohain, who will represent India at the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, took to Twitter to express her frustration at how her training process has been hampered by various factors. In response to the post, the Ministry of Sports, Youth Affairs and Sports tweeted: "We call upon the Indian Olympic Association to immediately ensure the accreditation of coach Lovlina Borgohain."

"It is with great regret that I announce that I am constantly being harassed for firing my coaches. The constant firing of my coaches who helped me win the Olympics for my country has affected my training process for the competition," he wrote on Monday.

"One of them was Dronacharya awardee Sandhya Gurungji. My coaches had to apply countless times, even at training camps, before they were accepted at the last minute. This time my coach Sandhya Gurung was not at the Commonwealth Games Village as she had not entered yet and my training process was stopped 8 days before the games. My other coach was also sent back to India,” he added.

“Even though there were many requests, it still happened and it caused mental anguish. I don't see how I can concentrate on my game if this continues. This is why my appearance is not in the World Cup and I don't want this policy to ruin my chances in the CWG. I hope to escape from the shackles of this politics and bring medals for my country," he concluded.

According to PTI, the BFI issued a statement on Monday that as per the rules, only 33 percent (1/3) of the playing contingent is allowed as support staff. The Indian boxing contingent has 12 playing members (8 men and 4 women) and as per the rules the number of support staff will be four including traveling coaches.

The BFI further stated that "boxing's needs in relation to trainers and support staff are very different as there are many fights that can build on each other.

“With the help of the IOA, the number of support staff has increased from 4 to 8 for the entire contingent of 12 boxers. In response to Lovlina's allegation that she literally had to ask to include her coaches in training camps and tours, the BFI said it "has ensured that Sandhya Gurung is at the training camp in Ireland".

Borgohain, the first Assamese athlete to represent India at the Olympics, is currently preparing for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.