Greater Noida: The decision to include boxing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics comes after a prolonged period of instability and challenges at the international level. However, this positive development is overshadowed by the ongoing administrative turmoil within India’s boxing community.

The internal conflicts within the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) ahead of the highly anticipated BFI elections have adversely affected the sport. Several states have opted not to send teams to the women’s national championships, citing the event's last-minute scheduling after being postponed twice. Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, and West Bengal have refrained from participating, while some states have assembled less competitive teams. Just days before the tournament, there were discussions regarding its potential cancellation.

A BFI official noted that they have received inquiries from various states and boxers eager to compete, but their respective associations have discouraged participation.

Olympic medallist Vijender Singh, who attended the opening day as a chief guest, expressed that boxers should not be entangled in the politics of the federation. “Certain individuals have attempted to create confusion surrounding the tournament. Boxers should remain free from political issues. I understand the extent to which the sport and its athletes suffer due to these circumstances. They require competitions to progress. I hope this situation is resolved swiftly,” Vijender stated to HT.

The most notable absence from the tournament is Olympic medallist Lovlina Borgohain. The Assam team was formed after the state association, led by BFI secretary general Hemanta Kalita, who is in conflict with BFI president Ajay Singh, failed to announce the results of the selection trials and the team roster, as reported by a boxing official from Assam to HT.

Although the Assam Olympic Association dispatched a five-member team, medal winners, including Borgohain, withdrew due to the ongoing crisis. Boxers from Tamil Nadu, Sikkim, and Tripura encountered similar challenges before ultimately deciding to disregard the directives.

We were advised against participating, yet if we had chosen not to, the boxers would have lost an entire year of competition. "The Nationals certificate holds significant importance," remarked a coach from one of the states.

Officials even attempted to pressure referees and judges into withdrawing. "I received calls, even while at the airport, urging me not to officiate in this tournament," stated a referee.

In total, 188 boxers from 24 associations are competing, including representatives from Railways, Services, and Police. Notable participants include world champions Nitu Ghanghas and Jasmine Lamboriya. However, two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen withdrew at the last moment due to a minor injury.

Boxers from Haryana, recognized as a dominant force in the sport, have been anticipating the Nationals since January. "We held our state championships in December, but the Nationals were postponed. We had to undergo state trials again to secure our spots on the team," explained a boxer from Haryana.

Dronacharya award-winning coach Shiv Singh criticized the officials for attempting to limit boxer entries for their own benefit.

"This is a regrettable situation. Women's boxing in India is a sport that brings home medals. Last time, we had five world champions from India, and now there are efforts to undermine the sport. Keep the boxers out of your federation's politics," expressed former national coach Singh.

"This is a crucial time to focus on the Asian Games and the upcoming Olympics, yet we find ourselves discussing such unnecessary issues. I hope the boxers who have been excluded receive another opportunity," he added.

Elections paused

The BFI elections have been postponed, indicating that the administrative turmoil is not yet resolved. Returning Officer RK Gauba made the decision to halt the elections following a request from president Ajay Singh, who informed Gauba that the BFI is seeking "urgent intervention" from a higher court due to "conflicting orders" issued by the high courts of Delhi and Himachal Pradesh. The elections were originally set for March 28, with the nomination process already completed. Former union sports minister Anurag Thakur intended to run for the presidency, but his nomination from Himachal Pradesh sparked significant controversy, positioning him against the incumbent president and SpiceJet managing director, Ajay Singh.

On the first day of the event, IOA president PT Usha was in attendance. Just days prior, Usha had established an ad hoc committee to oversee the BFI, highlighting the ongoing administrative crisis, the delay in elections, and the lack of competitions. On Friday, Usha expressed her satisfaction with the BFI's organization of the Nationals.

"I wanted this competition to take place. I am very pleased. It serves as great motivation for boxers, especially with the sport returning to the Olympics. However, I regret that some athletes have been unable to participate here. That should not have occurred. There are always challenges for athletes everywhere, but they must remain focused on their events with commitment," Usha stated.

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