Indian boxing stares at continued crisis

Boxing's inclusion for the 2028 LA Olympics has come after years of turmoil and uncertainty at the international level.

- Avishek Roy

GREATER NOIDA: However, despite the relief, Indian boxers are left to lament the looming administrative crisis at home.

The infighting within the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) ahead of a highly-charged BFI elections has taken a toll on the sport. Some states have refused to send teams for the women's nationals saying the championship, which was postponed twice, is being held at short notice. Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, West Bengal have not sent teams, while a few states have put together second-string sides. There were letters circulating about the cancellation of the tournament just days before the event.

A BFI official said they have been getting calls from some states and boxers who wanted to compete but were being dissuaded by their associations.