Kosovo row: AIBA threatens to take away 2021 Worlds from India

The Indian government's failure to grant visa to Kosovo boxer Donjeta Sadiku for the ongoing Women's World Boxing Championship has cast a shadow over country's hosting rights for the 2021 Men's World Boxing Championship.

Going by the tone of the letter issued by International Boxing Federation (AIBA), there is every possibility that the world body will reconsider India's hosting rights.

In a strongly-worded statement, AIBA said it was unfortunate that the government of India took a regrettable political decision to not grant visa to Sadiku.

"We are deeply concerned by this situation. Any boxer shouldn't be affected by any political decision while trying to achieve the dream of competing at the international level. Politics and sports should in no way be mixed," AIBA president Gafur Rahimov said in the statement.

"We appreciate the efforts made by the Boxing Federation of India, but AIBA will need to reconsider the 2021 Men's World Championships bid. This being said, we wish to reiterate our sincere apologize to Donjeta Sadiku and the boxing family of Kosovo," he added.

This letter has come two days after Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president Narendra Batra warned the Sports ministry of facing the wrath of world sporting bodies.

While awarding the hosting rights of any international event, one of the primary requirements is the capability of guarantee that all eligible athletes and delegations could participate without any discrimination and beyond any political consideration.