Hemanta Kalita asked Lovlina to withdraw from Nationals: BFI chief

New Delhi: Boxing Federation of India (BFI) chief Ajay Singh alleged that Tokyo Olympic bronze-winner Lovlina Borgohain and other boxers from Assam have been asked by suspended BFI secretary general Hemanta Kalita not to participate in the Women's National Championships, starting from March 21.

At an emergency press conference in the national capital, BFI chief Ajay Singh alleged that Hemanta Kalita, secretary of the Assam Amateur Boxing Association, instructed Lovlina not to participate in the upcoming National Championships, after which the Olympic medallist is considering her participation in the tournament.

"Assam is discouraging players from participating in the women's Nationals. Lovlina has recorded a video of support. But officers have received a call that she has been asked by Hemanta Kalita not to participate. Because she owes a lot to Assam boxing, she is reconsidering her participation," Singh told reporters.

The BFI chief suspended Secretary General Hemanta Kalita and Treasurer Digvijay Singh on Tuesday after an independent investigation led by Justice (Retd.) Sudhir Kumar Jain found them guilty of serious financial irregularities and mismanagement of funds.

An inquiry was launched after a complaint alleged unauthorised fund withdrawals, fraudulent billing, and abuse of power against Hemanta Kalita and Digvijay Singh.

"Justice Jain has concluded his investigation and submitted his report, which has found both of you guilty of serious charges of financial irregularities and mismanagement of funds. The findings of the report establish a clear breach of fiduciary duties and responsibilities expected from individuals holding key positions within the Federation.

"In light of the gravity of the findings and to ensure the integrity and transparency of the Federation's operations, it has been decided to suspend you both from your respective positions as secretary general and treasurer of the Boxing Federation of India with immediate effect. You are hereby restrained from performing any duties or exercising any authority in these capacities," a letter from Singh to Kalita read.

Hemanta Kalita's nomination for the BFI presidential post was rejected due to a mandatory cooling-off period after serving two consecutive four-year terms as an office bearer.

(inputs from IANS)