India Joins World Boxing, Leaving IOC-Suspended International Boxing Association

In a significant shift, the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) has decided to leave the International Boxing Association (IBA), which is currently suspended by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and join the newly formed, world Boxing organization.

The BFI’s move comes amid concerns over boxing's future in the Olympic Games. The IOC had de-recognized the IBA in 2019 because of financial, integrity, and governance issues, and warned that boxing could be excluded from the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics if national federations continued to align with the IBA.

World Boxing, launched in April 2023, aims to ensure that boxing remains a part 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 World Boxing's Executive Board.

Ajay Singh, President of the BFI, emphasized the importance of this move: “It is absolutely vital to the sustainability of boxing that it retains its Olympics status, so we are delighted to join World Boxing and look forward to working closely with the Executive Board and our fellow members to shape the future development of the sport and deliver a brighter future for boxers across the world.”

This move has significant implications for the future of boxing in the Olympic Games. If more national federations follow India's lead, it could lead to the IBA's permanent exclusion from the Olympics, potentially altering the sport's global dynamics.

Boris van der Vorst, President of World Boxing, welcomed India’s decision: “India is a very important country in international boxing and we look forward to welcoming the BFI into the growing world Boxing family. This is a very exciting development which will significantly increase our presence in Asia and I look forward to working closely with the BFI in delivering our common goals.”

The BFI's decision also follows a critical meeting on May 7, 2024, where World Boxing held its first formal meeting with the IOC. This meeting marked the beginning of a collaborative effort to ensure boxing remains part of the Olympic Games.

Boxing at the 2024 Paris Olympics will be overseen by the IOC, continuing its direct involvement as it did during the Tokyo Olympics. The IBA will have no involvement in the bouts at the Paris Olympics, marking the second successive time the IBA is excluded from the event.

India’s decision to join World Boxing is seen as a vital step in maintaining the sport's presence in the Olympic Games. The BFI's alignment with World Boxing highlights a broader effort to ensure that boxing remains an integral part of the Olympic movement.

The BFI transitions to World Boxing, the focus will be on collaborative efforts to advance the sport globally and secure a brighter future for boxers.

Key Takeaways

• India's Boxing Federation leaves IBA, joins World Boxing to secure Olympic future.
• IBA is suspended by IOC due to financial, integrity, and governance issues.
• World Boxing aims to ensure boxing remains in the Olympic Games.
• BFI's move may lead to IBA's permanent exclusion from the Olympics.
• India's decision is a vital step in maintaining boxing's Olympic presence.