Only 33% of playing contingent allowed as support staff: BFI after Lovlina saga
After boxer Lovlina Borgohain spoke out about the ill-treatment doled out to her coaches, IOA has extended a helping hand.
Boxer Lovlina Borgohain with her coach Sandhya Gurung (left) and Lovlina after her bronze medal win at Tokyo (Source: Instagram/Getty)
Only 33% 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.
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.
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.