BFI clarifies SAI confusion over Asian Games squad

NEW DELHI: The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) has clarified that the boxers selected during the recent trials at the NS NIS Patiala will remain the country’s squad for the Asian Games, after the Sports Authority of India (SAI) raised objections over the federation’s plans for a further assessment process following the conclusion of the CWG in Glasgow.The confusion emerged after BFI shared minutes of its selection committee meetings, held on May 15 and May 18, with SAI. The federation had conducted the Patiala trials from May 13 to 15 to select teams for both the CWG and Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Participating boxers were informed that the winners would directly qualify for both events.

However, the uncertainty arose when the minutes stated: “...the performance of the individual boxers after CWG will be assessed by the selection committee.

If required, evaluation in a particular weight category based on the assessment may be undertaken between main and reserve for the Asian Games 2026.”TOI is in possession of the minutes and the email exchanges between SAI and BFI.SAI questioned the feasibility of such a process, noting that the CWG concludes on Aug 2, whereas the final deadline for submitting entries by name for the Asiad is June 10.In an email to BFI, the SAI stated that while assessments for the CWG and Asiad had been conducted from May 13 to 15, the proceedings regarding Asiad selections were missing and sought clarification along with the final list of selected boxers.

Initially, BFI had only shared separate excel sheets for the CWG, World Boxing Cup in China and Grand Prix Czech Republic squads. Following SAI’s objections, the federation sent a separate final Asiad team list and clarified that no further assessment or trials would be conducted.