Sports Ministry derecognises Indian Amateur Boxing Federation

New Delhi: Livid with the suspended Indian Amateur Boxing Federation`s refusal to comply with its directives, the Sports Ministry on Tuesday derecognised the IABF with immediate effect. It comes as another massive jolt to the IABF, which has already been terminated by its international parent body, AIBA. “The matter has been considered in totality and keeping in view all relevant facts including the fact that the International Federation of the boxing sport has withdrawn its recognition to IABF, it has been decided to withdraw the recognition granted by Government of India to IABF with immediate effect,” the Ministry stated in a release detailing the reasons for taking the drastic step. The IABF was provisionally suspended by the Ministry in December 2012. The Ministry had asked the IABF to hold fresh elections and make its constitution compliant with the National Sports Code. [caption id=“attachment_1460585” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Representative image of Boxing Gloves. Getty Images[/caption] “IABF was directed to annul their elections held on 23.9.2013 and communicate its decision of holding fresh elections by following the provisions of the National Sports Development Code of India, 2011 under the supervision of an independent Returning Officer. “The International Federation for the sport of boxing, i.E., AIBA has also from time to time advised the IABF to hold their elections after suitably amending the Constitution of IABF. However, neither the directions of the Ministry not those of the AIBA have so far been complied with by IABF and fresh elections have not been held,” the Ministry said. The Ministry said that recognition to any National Sports Federation would rely on the current legal status of the organisation, recognition by the International Federation, the Asian Federation and the IOA in respect of Olympic Sports. Also part of the Ministry`s criteria is the NSF`s undisputed status as an Apex Body in India, its role and contribution in promoting and developing sports in India, conduct of national championships across age groups and gender, financial and managerial accountability and fair, transparent and democratic elections. PTI