RSPB boxers to seek permission to participate in SBL

Professional boxers, who are employed with the Railways Sports Promotion Board, will seek permission to participate in the ongoing first edition of the Super Boxing League (SBL) after being denied No-Objection Certificate (NOC) to compete in the league by the RSPB.

Three professional boxers--Neeraj Goyat, former Commonwealth Games bronze-medallist Amandeep Singh and multiple-time national champion Kuldeep Singh-will reportedly meet Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Vijay Goel as well as RSPB Secretary Rekha Yadav to discuss the issue.

Reflecting on the same, Neeraj and Kuldeep insisted that they do not understand as to why they are not being allowed to participate in SBL despite being professional boxers.

Earlier, the RSPB, in a letter, had said that an NOC could not be given to the three boxers as the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) is not supporting this league in any manner and that International Boxing Association (AIBA) had also withdrawn support from the same.

"Northern Railway Sports Association vide letter under reference have requested for according 'NOC' to allow three boxers from NR for participation in Super Boxing League to be held at New Delhi from 07.07.2017 to 12.08.2017. Few boxers from NWRSA have also submitted requests directly to RSPB for participation in the said league," the RSPB had said.

"In this regard, the matter has been clarified from Boxing Federation of India (BFI). BFI has clarified that Boxing Federation of India is not associated or supporting Super Boxing League at Sri Fort Squash Stadium, Delhi from 07th July to 12th August, 2017 event in any manner. BFI has also informed that AIBA, the world governing body of Boxing has withdrawn its approval for the same and that no Boxers, Coaches or Officials have been allowed, deputed or relieved for this event by BFI," the RSPB had added.

The RSPB had further warned that strict disciplinary action would be taken against those who participate in the event without NOC from the board.

Super Boxing League, India's first professional boxing league, commenced in the national capital on July 7 and will run till August 12.