AIBA approves IABF's amended constitution

The International Amateur Boxing Association (AIBA) has approved the amended constitution of the Indian Amateur Boxing Federation (IABF). This means that last year’s provisional suspension handed to IABF would be lifted not just by AIBA but also by the sports ministry as the Sports Code has been incorporated in the constitution in total.

“We have sent a copy of the amended constitution to the sports ministry. We have incorporated the age and tenure limitation guidelines that will certainly satisfy the sports ministry,” IABF secretary general Rajesh Bhandari said on Monday.

About holding fresh elections, Bhandari said: “We are not averse to a re-election but we have given a point-by-point reply to the ministry’s objections. They should tell us where we have gone wrong.”

Sports secretary Pradeep K Deb told DNA that the government has no objection in lifting the IABF suspension if the Sports Code has been incorporated in total. “But, let us get all the required documents officially. We hope that the elections would be held soon as per the procedure,” Deb said.

Asked if the government will wait for elections before revoking the suspension, Deb said: “No. The government never interfere with elections. We only come into the picture if there is any violation of the Sports Code.” Meanwhile, the Indian boxers and coaches will participate in the men’s Asian Junior meet in Philippines from March 10 under the AIBA flag.

@shekharluthra