Boxing Federation allows pro boxers to compete in amateur tournaments
The Boxing Federation of India has decided to allow professional boxers to compete in amateur tournaments sanctioned by it, bringing itself in sync with the stand taken by world body AIBA. The decision, taken at a BFI Executive Committee meeting on Thursday, is applicable with immediate effect.
Finally, in India, there will be some clarity on the professional boxers’ amateur status, after the recent discussions yielding fruit in the form of a letter from BFI Secretary Jay Kowli to all member states and units. The move opens the doors for boxers – like Vijender Singh who is currently competing in the US circuit – plying their trade in the pro circuit to compete in amateur events here even at the departmental level.
The AIBA organised a qualifying tournament and allowed professional boxers to compete in the Olympics months before the 2016 edition in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The national championships for men, scheduled to be held in October, will be followed by the women’s tournament and both events might see participation by pro boxers for the first time.
“In the recently concluded Executive Committee meeting it was discussed and decided that since the International Boxing Association is allowing such relaxations, BFI to allows similar relaxations for such boxers to participate in the State/National or Inter-Department tournaments,” Kowli’s letter stated, reported Scroll.
“This decision will be applicable with immediate effect and all boxers who have played professionally in the past can seek relief under this note,” the letter added.
However, the letter clearly states that the concession does not apply to boxers participate in tournaments organised by “unauthorised” bodies. Such boxers will still need to apply to the federation through their respective member unit for a NOC. It is learnt that the stance is meant for boxers who registered to compete in events organised by the terminated Indian Amateur Boxing Federation.