Indian boxers get a foreign tour

JAIPUR: It was only last week that the adhoc committee set up by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) had requested the boxing's international body (AIBA) to provide the boxers with exposure tours as part of their preparations for the Commonwealth Games.
IOA's request seems to have had an impact, as it has been learnt that India's top boxers will take part in the Chemistry Cup in Halle (Germany) next month.
With the AIBA-IABF (Indian body) tussle continuing, the Indian boxers have been deprived of foreign tours for quite sometime. To make matters worse, the national championships have not been held in the last couple of years.
So, with barely months left for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, this tournament will be a big boost for the senior boxers. "We have got a green light from the officials of the Chemistry Cup. This will help our boxers get accustomed to the world level ahead of the CWG," adhoc committee's convenor Rakesh Gupta told TOI on Saturday.
Of course, this may not serve the purpose for all boxers. With the main selection trials scheduled to be held on May 20, the selectors might have to pick and choose.
"Since this is an international tournament, we have to send the entries well in advance, so we will have to think of a proper selection process," Gupta admitted. But he made it clear that the decision would be taken without prejudice.
"We will soon speak to the boxing experts in the committee and decide on the selection process for the Chemistry Cup."
As for the lack of foreign exposure, Gupta said they are making efforts to organize a few bilateral series with Kazakhstan. "Time is a constraint. But we are in talks with different federations to ensure some activity before the CWG," Gupta said.
Meanwhile, despite being derecognized by the sports ministry, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) has assured the ad-hoc committee of full support during the trials. "SAI will be providing us with lodging during the core event in Delhi and final trials in Patiala. We are really grateful to them," he said.