Even as questions of propriety have started to crop up about the International Boxing Association (AIBA)-approved new National federation, Boxing India (The Bout Outside the Ring), the new body is planning to put in place a democratically-elected federation “as soon as possible.”
The bout outside the ring has already started with the new body — primarily comprising the Maharashtra Boxing Association president Jay Kowli and two business houses — trying to woo other State units and some associations, who are unhappy over the development, assessing the legal validity of such a body.
An office-bearer of a prominent State unit claimed that the newly-floated body did not have the support of any State unit other than that of Maharashtra. “I got to know that 30 of the 31 State units (excluding four institutional boards) do not support the new federation. Then, on what basis did the AIBA give its approval to this body? And without the support of the State units, who will be part of its electoral rolls for the elections? How will this body get recognition from the Indian Olympic Association and the Government of India?”
According to a recent Delhi HC order, National Sports Federations would have to adhere to the provisions of the National Sports Development Code, which says a proper electoral college has to be formed and approved by the electoral officers before being circulated among the members prior to the elections.
An IOA official said that its president N. Ramachandran was yet to receive any communication from the AIBA regarding its provisional approval to Boxing India. It is also learnt that the ad-hoc body, which was formed to run the boxing affairs in the country, has not received any communication from the AIBA on the formation of such a body.
However, Kowli put up a brave front.
“I have spoken to a lot of people. Some people have emailed me. But I do not want to show that I have so many people with me or I belong to any particular group. I have an open mind and will welcome everybody,” he said.
Even though Kowli said that the AIBA had set a time frame to call the general assembly meeting and conduct elections, he did not reveal any particular date.
About the involvement of two corporate houses in the formation of a National federation, Kowli said their association would only help Indian boxing.
