The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) has officially parted ways with the suspended International Boxing Association (IBA) and has joined the newly formed World Boxing. This strategic move aims to secure the sport's position in future Olympic Games.
This decision follows a warning from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that boxing could be excluded from the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics if national federations continue their association with the troubled IBA. The IBA was de-recognized by the IOC in 2019 due to financial, integrity, and governance issues.
In a statement, the BFI expressed optimism about collaborating with the World Boxing Executive Board to advance the sport globally and ensure a brighter future for boxers. World Boxing, led by former IBA presidential candidate Boris van der Vorst, was established in April 2023 to keep boxing at the core of the Olympic movement.
The BFI's membership application to World Boxing was approved by its General Assembly and is set to be ratified by the World Boxing Executive Board. This move is seen as a significant step in maintaining boxing's presence in the Olympic Games.
On May 7, World Boxing held its first formal meeting with the IOC, marking the beginning of a collaborative effort to ensure boxing remains part of the Olympics. The IOC will oversee boxing at the 2024 Paris Olympics, continuing its direct involvement as it did during the Tokyo Olympics.
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