Mary Kim questions boxing trials process practiced by BFI

Mary Kim questions boxing trials process practiced by BFI

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Mary Kom has suggested that Boxing Federation of India (BFI) should do away with boxing trials for international tournaments, especially in the case of proven performers. Mary and Nikhat Zareen were part of a very public spat where the latter accused BFI of favouring the six-time world champion.

After Boxing Federation of India (BFI) announced the squads for the upcoming Boxing World Championships, there was a lot of controversy due to the problems caused by former junior champion Nikhat Zareen. Nikhat, who was appointed the official ambassador of her home town Nizamabad, hit out at the Indian governing body as she accused them of nepotism based on their decision to include Mary in the WC squad. 

Mary, who won bronze in the 2012 Olympics, suggested that the BFI should scrap their process of conducting trials to select contestants for international tournaments. 

"Maybe, the BFI can change the programme altogether, no trial for boxers who are performing well, they can directly get the quota for any championship or tournament," Mary was quoted as saying by PTI sources. 

The six-time World Champion defeated Zareen in the semifinal of the India Open, which was held in Guwahati earlier this year. Mary had decided to hand BFI a request for her exemption as she left her selection in the hands of the federation and did not pressurise the governing body to rule in her favour.

"You look at other games like badminton, who gives trials? Did Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu give any trial?" she added.

"I felt weird about my decision but I had told BFI clearly you decide who is doing better. If I have to give a trial or not is not in my hands. The BFI decides all these things, it's up to them" Kom added. 

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