BFI President Ajay Singh Claims Hemanta Kalita Pressured Lovlina to Skip Women's Nationals
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Synopsis
BFI chief Ajay Singh has alleged that Lovlina Borgohain and other boxers from Assam were pressured by suspended BFI secretary Hemanta Kalita to withdraw from the Women's National Championships. This claim follows a recent inquiry that found Kalita and Treasurer Digvijay Singh guilty of financial misconduct.
Key Takeaways
- BFI chief Ajay Singh accuses Hemanta Kalita of pressuring boxers.
- Lovlina Borgohain is reconsidering her participation in the Women's Nationals.
- Kalita and Treasurer Digvijay Singh were suspended for financial irregularities.
- An independent investigation led to serious findings against Kalita.
- Kalita's nomination for BFI president was rejected due to a cooling-off period.
New Delhi, March 19 (NationPress) The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) chief Ajay Singh has accused Lovlina Borgohain, a bronze medalist from the Tokyo Olympics, and several other boxers from Assam, of being pressured by the suspended BFI secretary general Hemanta Kalita to refrain from competing in the Women's National Championships, which commence on March 21.
During an emergency press conference held in the national capital, Singh asserted that Kalita, who is also the secretary of the Assam Amateur Boxing Association, instructed Lovlina not to take part in the upcoming nationals. This has led the Olympic medallist to reconsider her involvement in the tournament.
"Assam is discouraging players from participating in the women's Nationals. Lovlina has recorded a video of support. However, officials have received a notification that Kalita advised her against participation. Given her significant contributions to Assam boxing, she is re-evaluating her decision," Singh informed the media.
On Tuesday, Singh announced the suspension of Kalita and Treasurer Digvijay Singh after an independent inquiry led by Justice (Retd.) Sudhir Kumar Jain determined that both were guilty of "serious charges of financial irregularities and mismanagement of funds." The investigation was prompted by allegations of unauthorized withdrawals, fraudulent billing, and misuse of power.
"Justice Jain has finalized his investigation and submitted his findings, which confirmed both of you guilty of severe charges related to financial misconduct and mismanagement of funds. The report's conclusions indicate a blatant breach of the fiduciary responsibilities expected from individuals in such significant positions within the Federation.
"Given the serious nature of the findings and to uphold the integrity and transparency of the Federation's operations, it has been resolved to suspend you both from your respective roles as secretary general and treasurer of the Boxing Federation of India with immediate effect. You are hereby prohibited from executing any duties or exercising any authority in these roles," a letter from Singh to Kalita stated.
Kalita was among the four candidates vying for the presidential position in the upcoming BFI elections. However, his nomination was declined due to the obligatory cooling-off period after serving two consecutive four-year terms.
