Dinesh, Praveen warned

Two of the three Indian boxers, who had alleged manipulation in the World Championship trials, were on Saturday let off with warnings by the National Federation even as the third was summoned to appear before the disciplinary committee on September 30.

Indian Boxing Federation (IBF) secretary general Rajesh Bhandari said Arjuna awardees Dinesh Kumar (91kg) and Praveen Kumar (+91kg) were merely warned after they tendered written apologies in reply to the showcause notices for accusing the selection committee of bias and manipulation.

However, former national champion Dilbag Singh (69kg), who has remained defiant, has been asked to appear before the disciplinary committee, comprising IBF vice-presidents ID Nanavati and Mukharjee Nirwan and chairman of the ring officials commission Narottam Singh Rawat.

“Dinesh and Praveen have apologised. They have told us that whatever they said was a case of emotions taking over due to the disappointment of missing out and they won’t repeat such statements in future,” Bhandari said. “Praveen, in fact, stated that he never made any allegations and merely stood next to the boxers who levelled the charges.

“Dilbag has been told to appear in person on September 30 and explain himself before the disciplinary committee. A decision on him will be taken after hearing him out,” Bhandari added.