CHENNAI: After shooting, boxing seems to be the other sport that’s in jeopardy at the South Asian Games to be hosted in Guwahati and Shillong next year. It has been learnt that the international boxing association (AIBA) might have a problem if the newly-constituted ad hoc committee runs the SAG boxing. It might even lead to sanctions.
According to sources, since AIBA already has one ad hoc committee in place, it might object to another committee. “There is every possibility and if we go against them they might take action against all teams,” said a source. It has been learnt that in a recent meeting between the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the ad hoc committee chairman Kishen Narsi, it was decided that for the sake of boxers, the two warring factions would come together to host the Games. The six-member panel was headed by Tarlochan Singh and Rakesh Gupta is the convener. The other members are national coach GS Sandhu, Narsi, Kuldip Vats and John Kharshing.
However, it has been learnt, some ad hoc committee members felt if the IOA is still recognising the Indian Amateur Boxing Federation (IABF), it would be futile to even think the AIBA ad hoc committee will get any kind of recognition from the IOA later. “Just because they need our help they are here. If they really want to do something about the sport they should stop recognizing the IABF and hold elections as instructed by the AIBA through us,” said a member. The AIBA, in its latest letter, has instructed the ad hoc committee to hold elections as soon as possible. It also said it has “excluded Boxing India as member federation and has clarified any new member federation must apply for membership in accordance with AIBA statutes.”
IOA president N Ramachandran said he and IOA secretary general Rajeev Mehta had a fruitful meeting with Narsi. “We had requested them that for the interest of the sport and the boxers they should come forward and help us,” said Ramachandran. “He assured us he would help. Also in the committee we have representatives of ad hoc committee, IOA and organisers. I think it’s fair.”
Another sticky point will be the appointment of referees and judges. “That will not be done by the AIBA’s ad hoc committee or IOA. It has to be done by the Asian body,” said Narsi, who agreed he had a meeting with IOA. “We sat together and discussed. For the sake of boxing we have come forward. But everything depends on AIBA and whether they recognise another panel.”