IOA formally recognises BFI as national body

Ending months of indecision, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on Wednesday recognised the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) as the sport's governing body in the country.

The Ajay Singh-led BFI already recognised by the International Boxing Association (AIBA) and the Sports Ministry, finally got the IOA's nod, which had Indian Amateur Boxing Federation (IABF) registered as the official body till now.

"As per the Olympic Charter, the sporting federation must be recognised by the international body (AIBA). BFI has already got that recognition long back. Today it was just the ratification process carried out by the IOA in its special annual general meeting," Debojo Maharshi, Chairman Marketing Commission of BFI told IANS.

"The Sports Ministry had already recognised the BFI as the national body responsible for governing Olympic boxing in the country. Today's decision by the IOA has only put an end to all the doubts and recognised BFI as a full member.

"The ministry had earlier barred IABF from using India as it was no longer a national federation," he added.

The BFI assumed office last year after elections conducted in the presence of observers from the AIBA and the Sports Ministry.

--IANS

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