The Boxing Federation of India has called for elections on 25 September, in order to break the impasse over the governing of boxing in the country.
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“The Boxing Federation of India was formed two months ago. It has been registered with the Registrar of Societies in Mumbai and we have also opened a bank account and got our pan card too. A notice has been sent out for the elections to be held on 25 September at the Mumbai Cricket Association’s Sachin Tendulkar Gymkhana in Kandivli,” a top source connected with the new body told PTI on Monday.
It was also revealed that all those who had taken part in the elections of the now defunct Boxing India had been invited to take part in the upcoming elections.
It further stated, “The notice has been sent in the name of the interim secretary, who is from Maharashtra. We have also informed the Indian Olympic Association and the world body AIBA for sending their observers for the elections. Proper process has been followed.”
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Indian boxing has been in disarray since 2012 when the federation was first suspended due to manipulating the elections. A new body, Boxing India, took shape in 2014. That body was also terminated last year after a rebellion by the state units.
As a result, the sport is currently being administered by an ad-hoc committee of the International Boxing Association (AIBA).
This could also have indirectly impacted India’s poor showing in the recently concluded Rio 2016 summer Olympics. Three Indian boxers had qualified for the showpiece event. Unfortunately, none of them could secure a medal.
Vikas Krishan Yadav lost in the quarter finals, Manoj Kumar in the pre quarters and Shiva Thapa in the round of 32. Manoj Kumar had recently sent out an impassioned plea to the Prime Minister to intervene in the matter.
AIBA has also warned of stern action if elections were not held by September 25.
