TNI Bureau: In a huge setback to Indian Amateur Boxing Federation (IABF) and Archery Association of India, the sports ministry on Friday derecognised citing “flawed and faulty” elections after the International Boxing Association decided to suspend the Indian Federation. The government said that the election process was not followed on the basis of the International Olympic Committee.
The development comes after International Boxing Association suspended the IABF alleging “possible manipulation” in the elections. However, the IABF denied the charges, justifying the process was transparent.
Sports Minister Jitendra Singh said the IABF election held in September had violated the procedure laid down in the Sports Code. “IABF has been suspended primarily on grounds that elections were flawed and faulty and the nomination time given was very less. When the nomination did not come in, people were just picked from the house. We have given them 15 days time to confirm that they would hold a re-election,” said the Minister.
“The entire election needs to be held afresh. The Government has to suspend the recognition of the Indian Amateur Boxing Federation pending fresh elections.
Reacting to the issue, Abhay Sinhg Chautala, who was nominated as chairman, said that he can step down from his post. He said that the IABF is ready to hold a re-election to get the affiliation from International Boxing Association.