Relief for Indian boxers: AIBA extends deadline for formation of new boxing federation

New Delhi: In a massive relief for Indian pugilists, the International Boxing Association (AIBA) today extended the deadline for the formation of a new national federation from March 31 to May 14, failing which the country could be barred from this year’s Olympic Games. “We note that we previously advised that this process should be completed by March 31, 2016. However given the statutory requirements as set out by you, AIBA is willing to allow additional time to ensure that the process is correct. [caption id=“attachment_2627064” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] File photo of Mary Kom. AP[/caption] On that basis, we require that the elections will happen at the earliest but on or before May 14, 2016 at the latest,” the AIBA said in a letter to the ad-hoc committee administering the sport right now. The ad-hoc committee will now announce its plan to host the first General Council Meeting of the proposed new Federation stakeholders in mid-April to discuss the Constitution and to finalise election date. The Committee will announce the election process thereafter which will be “conforming with Government of India’s National Sports Code as well as AIBA statutes and regulations”. It will also work to ensure that the process is completed efficiently and in accordance with the AIBA Statutes and Bylaws. “AIBA Ad-Hoc Committee will periodically send the regular updates to confirm that the timeline as provided by AIBA is being adhered to.” AIBA has further advised that the National Championships can only take place once the National Federation has been approved by AIBA. India has been without a national federation for nearly a year now and the logjam is threatening to jeopardise the boxers, who are currently competing in the Asian Olympic Qualifiers in China. PTI