FLIPSIDE
Of late, sports administrations have been engulfed in needless controversies that have threatened to shake the very foundation they uphold – integrity and fair play. Of late the international football association (FIFA), the International Olympic Council (IOC), the international athletics association (IAAF) and few other sports associations across the globe stirred storms because of nepotism and corruption.
Boxing is the latest sport to be cornered. So ugly was the scene that Swiss security officials had to be called to keep international boxing association (AIBA) officials at bay. The office was locked and officials have been asked to go on leave until Monday. This was after the Executive Committee voted in favour of a no confidence motion against its President CK Wu, who was facing charges of financial mismanagement.
In this backdrop, perhaps India needs to carefully tread the path. Of late, the AIBA president has been warming up to India. They have allotted three world championships to the country – World juniors, senior men’s and women’s world championships to be held over the next four years. The newly-elected members of the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) managed to establish a cordial relationship with AIBA, particularly with Wu. Now that the regime is under threat, the Indian officials need to be a bit cautious while dealing with AIBA officials.
According to BFI officials and sources close to the president Ajay Singh, there’s nothing to worry as far as the world championships are concerned. The decision was taken at the Executive Committee and it was unanimous. The world youth championships to be held in Guwahati will be from November 19-26. The president led the presentation and was accepted by the committee. According to officials, Ajay captured how India has been hosting various events – national as well as international events –in the last few months. They are of the belief that in the last few months they have managed to establish direct contact with AIBA officials in all capacity and as far as their relationship goes, it’s cordial with everyone. There were indications that there were hardly any bidders, but officials in the know said that was not the case. India apparently was chosen because of its ability to host international events. India managed to host referee judges and coaches convention recently. They also believe India is a huge market for AIBA and it cannot ignore its potential.
Ideally, the new federation would have liked to consolidate its position in AIBA. After all it’s just eight months ago that they were granted affiliation. The new president with his business acumen has been trying his best to revive the old grandeur. BFI has started dealing with AIBA without any intermediary. Things will definitely change. With the world in turmoil it’s prudent for India to adopt the tried and tested wait-and-watch policy.