Indian boxing looks for a way past administrative mess
OTHER SPORTS
Indian boxers are left to lament the looming administrative crisis at Boxing Federation of India
Greater Noida: Boxing’s inclusion for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics has come after years of turmoil and uncertainty at the international level. However, despite the relief, Indian boxers are left to lament the looming administrative crisis at home.
The infighting in Boxing Federation of India (BFI) ahead of a highly-charged BFI elections has taken a toll on the sport. Some states have refused to send teams for the women’s nationals saying the championship, which got postponed twice, is being held at a very short notice. Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, West Bengal have not sent teams, while a few states have put together second-string sides. There were letters circulating about the cancellation of the tournament just days before the event.
A BFI official said they have been getting calls from some states and boxers who wanted to compete but were being dissuaded by their respective associations.
Olympic medallist Vijender Singh, who came as a chief guest on the opening day, said boxers should not be dragged into federation politics. “Some people have tried to create confusion about the tournament. Boxers should not be dragged into politics. I know how much the sport and boxers suffer because of all this. They need competitions otherwise how will they come up? I am hoping that this situation is quickly resolved,” Vijender told HT.
The biggest name to miss the tournament is Olympic medallist Lovlina Borgohain. Assam has put together a team after the state association — led by BFI secretary general Hemanta Kalita who is at loggerheads with BFI president Ajay Singh — refused to declare the results of selection trials and announce the team, a boxing official from Assam told HT.
A five-member team was sent by the Assam Olympic Association but medal winners and Borgohain withdrew because of the ongoing crisis. Boxers from Tamil Nadu, Sikkim and Tripura also faced a similar situation before they decided to defy the diktat.