Visa problems ground boxers

The women boxers have been forced out of both the Nikolaev International Boxing Tournament in Nikolaev, Ukraine (from September 5-11) and the second International Boxing Women's Tournament at Astana, Kazakhstan (from September 13-17) after being denied visas.

The participation of the 10 member squad in the Ukraine event tournament was put off by the Indian Boxing Federation after "the Embassy of Ukraine in New Delhi did not grant visa on the basis of the Invitation received by the IBF from the Boxing Federation of Ukraine."

As per the Embassy, a clearance letter was required from the Government of Ukraine or the Nikolaev City Council with the team details to be sent by the organisers.

"Unfortunately the IBF did not receive any such letter from the host federation and therefore the Indian engagement had to be called off," the IBF said in a statement.
Participation of a seven-member team in the Kazakhstan was also cancelled because of visa issues.