Guwahati, March 19 -- Boxing Federation of India (BFI) President Ajay Singh on Wednesday accused the recently suspended BFI Secretary General Hemanta Kalita of blocking Olympic bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain and other boxers from Assam from competing in the National Championships.

The event is scheduled to start on Thursday in Greater Noida.

In an "emergency press conference," Singh stated that Lovlina, who earned a bronze medal in the 69kg category at the Tokyo Olympics, is eager to participate but is facing pressure from Kalita to withdraw.

Kalita, who serves as the secretary of the Assam Boxing Association, recently faced a guilty verdict for financial mismanagement following an inquiry led by former Delhi High Court judge Sudhi...