IOC adds two more weight categories in women boxing for Tokyo Olympics
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced the addition of two more weight categories for the women boxers in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics to be held in 2020. The Olympic Committee is itself going to organise the boxing events in Tokyo Olympics after the controversy with the AIBA.
Amidst all the discussions regarding the future of boxing in the next Olympics, the IOC has declared that there will be two more weight categories for the female boxers in the next Olympic Games in Tokyo. With the addition of the two categories, the number of participants will increase from 36 in the 2016 edition to 100 in the next Olympics in 2020.
After the investigation into the mismanagement in the International Boxing Association (AIBA), the IOC has decided not to allow the AIBA to conduct the event at the games. There will be eight men’s categories in the next Olympics and five women categories in boxing. The qualifying rounds for the sporting extravaganza will be held between January and May.
“These recommendations aim to keep athletes at the heart of the Olympic Games, protecting their experience and their right to compete,” IOC Member Morinari Watanabe was quoted as saying by AFP.
“They also fully respect the principles of inclusivity and universality, increase the gender balance and establish fair participation criteria for athletes across the world, ensuring a diverse and comprehensive representation.”