JOIN USIn a relief to the Indian boxing fraternity, the International Boxing Federation (AIBA) on Saturday revoked the ban on the country’s pugilists from participating in international events.
The AIBA, however, maintained that the no Indian officials will be permitted in the competitions and the boxers will have to compete under the AIBA flag.
“This letter is to inform you that despite the ongoing suspension of the Indian Amateur Boxing Federation, the AIBA EC Bureau took the decision on February 22, 2013, to exceptionally allow Indian boxers and coaches only (no official whatsoever permitted) to participate in AIBA Competitions (approved events) under the AIBA flag,” AIBA executive director Hi Kim wrote in a letter to the Indian Amateur Boxing Federation (IABF).
The decision means the Indian pugilists will be able to participate in the forthcoming ASBC Youth Boxing Championships to be held in Subic Bay, the Philippines, from May 10 to 16.
“Please note that you will be requested to provide a proof that the coaches are registered,” Kim wrote.
A letter was also dispatched by AIBA president and International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) executive board member Ching-Kuo Wu to Randhir Singh, the IOC member in India, informing him of the decision.
“However, the team will of course have to compete under the AIBA flag due to the ongoing suspension of the Indian Amateur Boxing Federation,” the letter read.
“The AIBA Headquarters Office will duly inform the Indian Amateur Boxing Federation and ASBC so that registration procedures may proceed,” it added.
The AIBA had suspended the IABF following the Indian Olympic Association’s suspension by the IOC and “possible manipulation’’ in its elections.
IABF vice-president Brig P K Muralidharan Raja welcomed the decision of the AIBA and said it would be a relief to the country’s boxers.
“This is the best thing to have happened to us in the last few weeks. At least the boxers will not suffer because of the ongoing scenario,” Muralidharan Raja said.