The prolonged mess in the terminated Indian Amateur Boxing Federation is finally showing some signs of resolution with the AIBA-approved Boxing India getting the support 26 state units in a general council meeting today where it was also decided to hold IABF elections on July 9.
The IABF had been suspended in December 2012 before being terminated earlier this year for failing to adhere to the International Boxing Association's diktat of holding fresh elections and adopting a revamped constitution.
After much deliberation and factional disputes in the IABF, the AIBA decided to recognise Boxing India as the ad-hoc body authorised to call an AGM and conduct elections.
Boxing India comprises CMD of long-time Indian boxing sponsor Monnet Ispat Limited, Sandeep Jajodia, and owner of India's World Series of Boxing franchise, Udit Sheth. The group was initially being backed by the Maharashtra Boxing Association before getting the support of other units today.
"It was a general council meeting where the group presented its vision for the sport to all the units," a top official told PTI after the meeting in Mumbai.
"It has been decided to hold the elections on July 9. July 1 will be the last date to file nominations and July 4 would be last date to withdraw nominations," he added.
The five-year developmental plan presented by Boxing India included a detailed roadmap for the state associations and the national federation to be formed.
"We have been official sponsors of boxing since 2008 and are committed to this sport for the long term which is why it is heartening to receive the support of most of the State Presidents, who are passionate about boxing and have spent their lives working towards improving the sport in India," said Jajodia, who could be in the fray for IABF President's post.
