NEW DELHI: In a significant move, India will not send any representatives to the forthcoming ASBC Asian Elite Men’s and Women’s Boxing Championships set to take place in Amman from November 28 to December 12. According to sources from TOI, the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) has opted against fielding any teams for the tournament due to concerns about potential sanctions from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
This decision stems primarily from the IOC’s stringent directive to all National Olympic Committees (NOCs), warning that any association with the currently suspended International Boxing Association (IBA) could lead to the country’s exclusion from boxing events. The Asian Boxing Confederation (ASBC), which is organizing the championships, remains affiliated with the IBA, an organization currently under scrutiny and led by Russian businessman Umar Kremlev. Notably, the upcoming tournament has secured the IBA’s recognition, and its complete roster of referees, judges, and technical staff will be present in Amman to oversee the event.
Should India have sent a contingent to the championships, it would have faced the risk of an international ban from future competitions, as stipulated by the IOC’s regulations. The IBA’s continued lack of financial transparency was a major reason behind the IOC’s decision to withdraw recognition from the body in 2023, subsequently leading to its suspension.
At the last ASBC event held in Amman in 2022, Indian boxers exhibited stellar performances, clinching a total of 12 medals, which included four gold, ultimately ranking the nation third in the overall medals table. A BFI source revealed, “India won’t participate in the Asian meet, it’s been decided. The same has been communicated to the organisers and IBA. We wanted to send a full-strength team of our top boxers, but the country’s participation would have attracted the IOC’s wrath. It’s a fluid situation as far as global boxing is concerned. IBA is suspended because of its own problems, and the IOC hasn’t recognized the new body – World Boxing. If we participate in events organized by IBA, it will attract sanctions. It’s better to avoid any potential conflict with the IOC.”
Recently, India showcased its boxing prowess by sending a team to the Under-19 World Boxing Championships held in Colorado, USA, a tournament recognized by the Switzerland-based breakaway entity, World Boxing (WB). Indian boxers delivered a remarkable performance, securing a total of 17 medals, including four gold.
Despite officially joining the World Boxing body in May, the BFI has not completely severed its ties with the IBA. The boxing federation, under the leadership of SpiceJet chairman Ajay Singh, aims to preserve opportunities for Indian boxers to compete in future IBA-sanctioned events while awaiting World Boxing to establish a more coherent organizational structure and earn the IOC’s trust, ultimately positioning itself as the sole global governing body for the sport.
**Interview with Boxing Expert Dr. Anjali Verma on India’s Non-Participation in the ASBC Boxing Championships**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Verma. India has made a significant decision not to send its boxing teams to the upcoming ASBC Asian Elite Championships in Amman. Can you explain the reasoning behind this choice?
**Dr. Verma:** Thank you for having me. India’s decision stems primarily from the International Olympic Committee’s concerns regarding the International Boxing Association’s current status. The BFI is understandably cautious about potential sanctions that could arise from participating in an event still under the IBA’s umbrella. Given the IOC’s strict guidelines, stepping back from this competition seems to be a protective move.
**Interviewer:** What are the implications of these sanctions for Indian boxing in the long run?
**Dr. Verma:** The implications could be significant. If India were to participate and the IOC recognized that association with the IBA, it could result in a suspension from future Olympic events. This would not only impact current athletes but could also harm the sport’s overall development in the country. The BFI’s action is thus a safeguard against further complications.
**Interviewer:** How do you see the future for Indian boxers who wish to compete internationally?
**Dr. Verma:** It’s challenging. The boxers will miss out on crucial competitive exposure and the opportunity to enhance their skills against top-level opponents at the ASBC championships. However, I believe the BFI is attempting to formulate a strategy to ensure that Indian boxers remain competitive, possibly through alternative tournaments and training camps.
**Interviewer:** Given the current situation with the IBA and its leadership, do you think this is a temporary setback for Indian boxing, or could it lead to longer-term issues?
**Dr. Verma:** It could be both. While the immediate concern is to avoid sanctions, the longer-term impact hinges on how quickly the boxing governing bodies can resolve their issues and what alternatives become available for Indian athletes. If the situation with the IBA continues, it may create a vacuum that could hinder the growth of boxing in India.
**Interviewer:** what message do you think this sends to other countries regarding their participation in IBA-affiliated events?
**Dr. Verma:** The message is clear: prudence is paramount. Countries are likely to be wary of associating with the IBA until more clarity is provided regarding its future. This situation could lead to a ripple effect, prompting other nations to reassess their involvement in IBA competitions as well.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Verma, for your insights on this significant issue facing Indian boxing.
**Dr. Verma:** Thank you for having me. I hope we see a resolution soon that allows our athletes to compete freely and without fear of repercussions.
