The Sports Ministry and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) were quick to take note of the allegations made by Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist boxer Lovlina Borgohain against the authorities for derailing her preparations for the Commonwealth Games.
Responding to Lovlina's tweet, the IOA said in a statement that it had taken cognizance of the concern regarding her coach Sandhya Gurung's accreditation at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
"The matter of Ms. Gurung's accreditation was a late request received following the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee's Delegation Registration Meeting with the national delegations. However, given the IOA places the convenience of the Indian athletes at the highest level, a special request has been made to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee on a priority basis to provide Ms. Gurung with the requisite accreditation," the IOA said in a release.
Earlier, the sports ministry had directed the IOA to arrange the accreditation for Lovlina's coach Sandhya Gurung.
"We have urged the Indian Olympic Association to immediately arrange for the accreditation of the coach of Lovlina Borgohain," the tweet read.
The Indian boxing squad arrived at the Games Village in Birmingham on Sunday night, following a 15-day training camp in Ireland.
However, Lovlina's personal coach Sandhya Gurung was not allowed entry after she failed to produce an accreditation. Lovlina then took to Twitter and shared her plight in a long post.
Boxing Federation Gives Justification
The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) also issued a statement on Monday, explaining why Lovlina's coach had not been given an accreditation.
"Only 33 per cent of the playing contingent is allowed as 'Support Staff' which in BFI's case for the 12 boxers (8 men and 4 women) stands to be 4 support staff, (including coaches) who were to travel with the Team to Birmingham," BFI said in a release.
"The Boxing Federation of India ensured that Sandhya Gurung was at the training camp in Ireland. BFI is closely working with IOA so that Sandhya Gurung could be a part of the team in Birmingham. In the meanwhile, delegate transport and accommodation at ETO's hotel has been already provided to her."
"The requirements of boxing with respect to coaches and support staff is a little different as there are multiple bouts, which could be one after another. The IOA understood BFI's point of view and therefore, extended help with maximum possible additional support staff. With IOA's help the number of support staff went up from 4 to 8 for the entire contingent of 12 boxers," BFI said.
So while the boxing contingent was allowed eight support staff members, the federation elected to still not include either of Lovlina's coaches on that list which has now left a premier medal contender without her support staff during a big event.
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