Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jan 5: The Elite Men & Women National Boxing Championships got off to a chaotic start in the national capital region, with poor planning and logistical lapses delaying competitions by several hours on the opening day, a report said.

According to The Times of India, top Indian boxers were left waiting for over four hours on Sunday, January 4, as the championships at Gautam Buddha University in Greater Noida failed to begin on schedule. The tournament, which was slated to start at 2 pm, eventually saw its first bout begin only at 6.30 pm.

Officials cited logistical issues for the delay, with even basic infrastructure not ready on time. Three competition rings were scheduled to be operational on the opening day, but only one was set up by around 4 pm. That ring reportedly had to be dismantled and reassembled after a technical fault was detected.

A total of 80 bouts — 38 in the women’s section and 42 in the men’s — were scheduled for the day. However, women boxers were forced to wait even longer, with no clarity till late evening on when their matches would begin. As of 8 pm, the third ring was yet to be assembled and organisers had issued no official communication.

Sources told the publication that preparations could not be completed overnight as the gates of Gautam Buddha University were locked, catching the organisers off guard. “There were communication issues, and the organisers were unaware that the university gates would be closed for the night,” a source said, adding that setup work began only the next day.

Another source claimed that work commenced only after payment was made to the equipment vendor, further contributing to the delay.

The championships were expected to be a landmark event, with the men’s and women’s national tournaments being held together for the first time, but the disorganised opening drew criticism from athletes and officials alike.