BFI opens door for pro-boxers to take part in amateur events

After an executive meeting of the Boxing Federation of India in the country’s capital on Friday, a decision was taken to allow pro-boxers to also compete in amateur events at all levels of the sport, effective immediately. This will open the doors for boxers such as Vijender Singh to participate in international tournaments eventually, though it is unlikely he will opt for the same.

The move brings the nation at par with the world governing body of the sport AIBA, who had taken a similar step ahead of the 2016 Rio Olympics allowing the pro-boxers to become a part of the sporting extravaganza if they qualify. India had not offered any update as to whether the same will be followed in the country until now, possibly to allow pro-boxers to become a part of the national championships scheduled to start in October.  

“In the recently concluded Executive Committee meeting it was discussed and decided that since the International Boxing Association (AIBA) is allowing such relaxation, BFI too allows similar relaxation for such boxers to participate in the State/National or Inter-Department tournaments,” the letter from BFI Secretary General Jay Kowl to all member states and units read, according to TOI.

However, it made clear that the same won’t be applicable for those competing in events organized under the banner of unauthorized bodies, probably implying the Indian Amateur Boxing Federation. ABF had in the past attempted to take over as the sport’s official national federation in the country but had failed to achieve recognition as the same.

“Such boxers will still need to apply to BFI through their respective BFI Member Units for a No Objection Certificate,” the letter added.