IOA grants affiliation to Boxing Federation of India
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The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has granted affiliation to the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) after almost a year's discussions. The affiliation, that now fully recognizes the BFI as a fully recognized body, was granted as per the directives of the IOC in a letter to the BFI President.
The letter directed to Ajay Singh read, "As per the directives of the International Olympic Committee vide their letter dated February 7, the IOA grants affiliation to the BFI subject to ratification by the Executive Council/General Body of the IOA," reported TOI.
The two bodies had been at an impasse since the BFI took charge of the sport after elections which were conducted in the presence of individuals from International Boxing Association (AIBA) and the sports ministry.
Acknowledging the approval, Ajay Singh said, "I welcome the grant of affiliation by the IOA and look forward to its ratification by IOA's General body. All sports bodies need to work together for the cause of Indian sport and Indian sportspersons."
The now resolved issue started in September last year when the IOA had initially refused to grant recognition to BFI stating that it still considered the now-defunct Indian Amateur Boxing Federation (IABF) as the official national body for the sport. It later referred the matter to the affiliation committee following persistent requests from the BFI.
After the affiliation, the BFI now becomes the fully recognized body for Indian boxing, having already been granted affiliation by AIBA and the sports ministry.
