SAI suspends boxing assessment trials in Patiala, throws CWG and Asian Games selection into chaos

NEW DELHI: Indian boxing has descended into administrative turmoil in a year where the focus should have been on preparing for two major multisport events — the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Instead, the sport is now mired in a bitter standoff between the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Boxing Federation of India (BFI), leaving the country’s elite boxers uncertain about their future and selection prospects.

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The latest flashpoint came on Sunday when SAI directed the BFI to halt the proposed assessment tests — effectively the final selection trials for the CWG and Asian Games squads — until further orders. The trials, originally scheduled from May 11 to 15 and later shortened to May 11-13 at the NS NIS Patiala, now stand suspended.




The move has intensified the growing conflict between the two governing bodies over selection policies, evaluation criteria, the composition of the selection committee, and the empanelment of coaches and support staff. While SAI has questioned the transparency and fairness of the BFI’s proposed evaluation system, the federation has maintained that all procedures had been shared with and approved by SAI during the Annual Calendar for Training and Competition (ACTC) meetings.

However, the SAI remains unconvinced.

In a strongly-worded communication sent by the office of TOPS CEO NS Johal to the BFI leadership on Sunday, the SAI raised several objections regarding the federation’s assessment framework. A copy of the communication is in possession of TOI.

According to the mail, the SAI pointed out that the “details regarding the evaluation process and matrix proposed for technical and tactical aspects have not been clarified to date.” It further sought details of the High Performance Unit (HPU), including the names, qualifications and credentials of those who would be involved in evaluating athletes during the national camp.

The communication also questioned the proposed list of coaches and support staff identified for the camp, the criteria used by the BFI Coaches Commission for their selection, and whether any coach associated with the national camp was also part of the selection or assessment process — something SAI had earlier cautioned against to avoid favouritism and conflict of interest..

The authority further clarified that the expenses related to the conduct of trials or assessments would have to be borne entirely by the national sports federation (NSF).

“In view of the required information not being provided by BFI even after one week since the previous correspondence, and the lack of a transparent and fair system for the conduct of trials for selection of the team, you are hereby directed not to proceed with the assessment/trials till further orders,” the communication added.

The controversy has also reignited tensions surrounding the 2nd Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Cup, held from March 30 to April 5 at the ASI, Pune. The BFI had designated the tournament as an official pathway to the national camp, with gold and silver medallists across 20 categories earning direct eligibility for the final trials.

But the SAI refused to recognise the event, terming it a “closed-door” competition. As a result, nearly 40 medalwinning boxers have effectively been shut out of the selection process.

Several medallists are now preparing to approach the Delhi High Court, demanding inclusion in the trials and a fair opportunity to compete for national selection.

Among those voicing disappointment are 2021 World Championships silver medallist Deepak Bhoria and reigning Asian champion Sanjeet, both of whom won medals at the COAS Cup. “I am exhausted and disappointed as an athlete,” Bhoria and Sanjeet said in a joint statement. “BFI had stated that COAS Cup gold and silver medallists would join the national camp and be part of the CWG and Asian Games pathway. I won gold at the COAS Cup, but there is still no clarity regarding the medallists’ list and selection process.”

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