AIBA allows coaches as seconds for Indian boxers

The Indian boxers got a boost, as the AIBA, the world body for the sport, accepted a plea from India to allow the coaches to sit on the ringside during bouts. Their presence becomes crucial, especially in close clashes where the coaches would be able to give valuable inputs and encourage the pugilists.

A communication received from AIBA to a senior boxing official said that the world boxing body has said that Indian coaches will be allowed to second the boxers and be at ringside during the Games. The president of the Indian Olympic Association N Ramachandran had sent in a request, but it now transpires that the AIBA had ruled that no Indian officials or ringside judges would be allowed at international competitions, but that would not apply to coaches, who are AIBA certified.

This means, the Cuban coach, BI Fernandes and GS Sandhu, can now be in the corner, when the Indian boxers take to the ring.

"That will be very good for the morale of the team," said Raj Singh.

The boxing competition starts on July 25.

AIBA had first suspended Indian Boxing Federation in 2012 and then de-recognised it this year on the basis that they were "damaging the image, reputation and interest" of the sport. Later AIBA accepted the new body, Boxing India, as a member but that is subject to AIBA approving its election and election process.