Boxing Federation Of India Joins World Boxing To Boost Olympic Presence

The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) has agreed to join World Boxing. This International Federation was established to keep boxing central to the Olympic Movement.

The BFI's General Assembly has approved the membership, pending ratification by World Boxing's Executive Board.

BFI, thus, parted ways with the suspended IBA to join the breakaway World Boxing to counter the threat to the sport's Olympic future. This move follows months after the International Olympic Committee reiterated its warning to exclude boxing from the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics if national federations remained aligned with the International Boxing Association (IBA).

Ajay Singh, BFI President, met with World Boxing's President and Secretary General. They discussed how India can support World Boxing in growing its membership in Asia. The BFI is one of the largest National Federations in the region.

"It is absolutely vital to the sustainability of boxing that it retains its Olympics status, so we are delighted to join World Boxing," BFI president Ajay Singh said in a press release.

Singh further claimed that he looks forward to working closely with the WB Executive Board to "shape the future development of the sport and deliver a brighter future for boxers across the world."

Key Goals and Commitments

The BFI aims to take a leading role in establishing an Asian Confederation. They will drive the recruitment of other National Federations in the region. The BFI also plans to participate actively in World Boxing Committees and Commissions.

Additionally, the BFI intends to bid to host World Boxing competitions. They will support World Boxing's efforts to secure commercial partnerships and generate new income streams.

Support from World Boxing

Boris van der Vorst, President of World Boxing, welcomed the BFI. He noted that India's involvement would enhance World Boxing's presence in Asia. He expressed excitement about working closely with the BFI to achieve common goals.

He emphasised the importance of National Federations joining World Boxing. For boxers to compete in future Olympic Games, they must be part of World Boxing. This is crucial for boxing to remain in the Olympic programme beyond Paris 2024.

BFI's Vision

Ajay Singh, BFI President, highlighted the importance of maintaining boxing's Olympic status. He expressed delight in joining World Boxing and looks forward to collaborating on the sport's future development.

Mr Singh shared that the BFI aligns with World Boxing's values and goals. They are eager to lead in forming and hosting a new Asian Confederation. This will help expand boxing's membership on the continent.

World Boxing's Mission

Launched in April 2023, World Boxing aims to keep boxing central to the Olympic Movement. On 7 May 2024, it held its first formal meeting with the IOC. This meeting marked the start of a formal collaboration to keep boxing in the Olympic Games.

World Boxing currently has members from all five continents. These members compete in international boxing, ensuring the sport's global reach and future participation in the Olympics.