Unofficial ‘India’ Team at IBA World Championships Triggers Concern in Boxing Federation of India.
IBA World Championships: ‘India’ Team’s Participation Sparks Concern Within BFIArticle:New Delhi: The participation of an “India” team in the upcoming IBA World Championships has triggered serious concern inside the Boxing Federation of India (BFI), which is currently the only boxing body officially recognised by the Government of India and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).The team in question is participating under the banner of the International Boxing Association (IBA) — a body that lost its recognition from the IOC in 2023 over governance and financial irregularities. While the BFI remains aligned with World Boxing, the breakaway body acknowledged by the IOC, the sudden appearance of another team claiming to represent India has raised administrative and ethical
questions.
According to reports, this new contingent has been put together by the National Sports Independent Movement (NSIM) and includes athletes who were not cleared by the BFI.
The BFI has clarified that these boxers are not officially selected, and their participation does not reflect India’s official representation on the world stage.
BFI officials fear that the move could create confusion internationally, especially as India prepares for major events like the Olympic qualifiers under World Boxing.
The federation stated that only its teams are authorised to compete on behalf of the nation, and any parallel team can damage the sport’s integrity and India’s credibility.
The issue also adds to the ongoing tensions between the IBA and World Boxing, with countries divided on whom to support.
With India firmly backing World Boxing, the presence of an IBA-aligned team carrying the country’s name is being seen as a direct challenge.
While the unofficial team gears up for the Dubai championships, the BFI has confirmed that it will soon communicate with international authorities to prevent misuse of India’s name in global competitions.
The controversy underscores a bigger turmoil within amateur boxing, as federations worldwide continue to navigate administrative conflicts while athletes remain caught in the crossfire.
