More than 100 countries to participate in boxing World C'ships

Indian boxers would be the only ones competing under the International Boxing Association's flag among over 500 pugilists from a record 116 countries, which have confirmed participation for next month's World Championships in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
"As the registration deadline for the AIBA World Boxing Championships Almaty 2013 has now passed, the International Boxing Association (AIBA) is delighted to announce that it is expecting a new record of participants to be set in Kazakhstan," AIBA said in a statement.
"Two years after the AIBA signature event was held in Baku, Azerbaijan, with a record of 570 boxers from 113 countries, a total of 576 boxers (excluding the reserves) have been registered by 116 countries (Indian boxers will compete under the AIBA flag) around the World."

The Indian Federation was suspended last year due to the IOC's ban on the IOA and "possible manipulation" in the IBF elections.
In its most latest directive, the AIBA has told IBF to hold fresh elections by December 4, failing which Indian boxers and coaches would be barred internationally.
The World Championships will be held at the Baluan Sholak Palace of Culture and Sports between October 11 and 27.

The competition will be organised under the new AIBA Technical Rules and AIBA Open Boxing (AOB) Competition Rules -- no headguard and 10-Point Must scoring system.
"We are extremely pleased with these numbers which demonstrates the growth of our competitions and AIBA as a whole," stated AIBA President Dr Ching-Kuo Wu.

"These 2013 AIBA World Boxing Championships will be historical for many reasons and I am very much looking forward to welcoming all of you in Almaty," he added.