Top Boxers Stopped From Participating in Nationals

The women's National Championship in Greater Noida this week is set to commence under the shadow of fierce internal squabble within the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) ahead of the elections on March 28.

- Avishek Roy

NEW DELHI: The tournament was postponed twice this year, and on Wednesday BFI president Ajay Singh claimed that an attempt is being made by some officials to stop boxers from participating in the championships.

The event will take place from March 21-27 at the Gautam Buddha University. Singh said BFI secretary general Hemanta Kumar Kalita, who was suspended on Tuesday on charges of "financial irregularities" and subsequent investigation, is exerting pressure on boxers from Assam, including Tokyo Olympics medallist Lovlina Borgohain, to withdraw. Kalita is also the secretary of Assam Amateur Boxing Association.