Incheon, Sep 16 (IANS): Indian boxers will be allowed to participate under the national flag in the 2014 Asian Games starting here Friday after the world body AIBA gave provisional recognition to Boxing India, a newly-elected federation.
AIBA president C.K. Wu, in statement Tuesday, said Boxing India, has been unanimously approved for provisional membership and also asked the federation to apply for membership from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
"I would like to emphasise the importance of managing Boxing India in the most transparent, fair, democratic manner and most importantly in the respect of all AIBA rules and regulations," said Wu.
Boxing India elections were held Thursday in Mumbai and were overseen by observers from AIBA and a returning officer was appointed to ensure free and fair elections.
The provisional membership will be ratified by the 2014 AIBA Congress scheduled to take place in Jeju Islands, in November.
"It is indeed a matter of pride for us as a nation that the Indian Boxing Contingent will now be allowed to participate under the Indian flag at the upcoming Incheon Asian Games 2014. I also extend my best wishes to all our boxers to perform their best. Boxing India will continue to work tirelessly to bring back the boxing sport on its growth trajectory," said Sandeep Jajodia, newly-elected president of Boxing India.
"It's great morale boosting news for Indian Boxing. Each & every member of Boxing India will work enthusiastically and diligently to revive Indian boxing and help it achieve Olympic Glory. We are confident that Boxing India will make that happen." said Jay Kowli, Secretary General, Boxing India.
The erstwhile Indian Boxing Federation (IBF) was derecognised by the international body AIBA in March after being suspended for more than 12 months following a controversial election in December 2012 that saw president Abhay Singh Chautala elevated as the chairman of the body.
In the same week, Chautala's election as Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president also led to India's ban by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that was finally lifted after 14 months in February after a new set of officials were elected.