Indian boxing once thrived on the global stage, but it has since become quiet. After the Paris Olympics, there have been no significant tournaments, no training camps, and much confusion.
Boxers feel the effects of silence and are unsure about their future in the ring. What caused this sudden break, and how is it affecting the future of Indian boxing? Here, we cover everything that we know.
Indian Boxing’s Silent Phase: No Tournaments, No Camps
Indian Boxing has been inactive since the Paris Olympics. Senior boxers have not participated in any international tournament, and the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) has not arranged any national training camps.
The athletes have been training at their SAI National Centres of Excellence, but without national Camps, their preparation will be incomplete. The Women’s National Championship, initially scheduled for late November, has been postponed multiple times. According to the latest update, it may happen in mid-March, but BFI has not given an official reason for the delay.
Last month, BFI conducted the men’s national championship under the 10-weight category system introduced by World Boxing. However, international tournaments like the Strandja Memorial Tournament still follow old weight classes, creating confusion in selection and training.
Skipping Prestigious Events: A Major Setback
The BFI’s decision to skip important tournaments has hurt Indian boxing. India has withdrawn from the Strandja Memorial Tournament in Bulgaria, a top event featuring world-class boxers.
India also missed the Asian Championship in November. The BFI supports the newly formed World Boxing Association and its ongoing conflict with the International Boxing Association (IBA). The International Olympic Committee (IOC) suspended the IBA, which influenced the BFI’s decision to skip major tournaments.
Boxers are frustrated with these missed opportunities. Without international exposure, they struggle to stay competitive. A world championship medal-winning boxer expressed disappointment, saying, “We don’t know when nationals will happen or when the camps will start. Without these, we cannot even qualify for international tournaments.“
The national games were the only competition for female boxers after the Paris Olympic cycle. However, top boxers like Nikhat Zareen skipped the event, which made it less competitive.
Governance Issues and Uncertainty in Indian Boxing
The absence of a High-Performance Director (HPD) has added to the challenges. Bernard Dunne, former HPD, left in March 2024, and BFI invited applications for the position in July. However, no appointment has been made yet. The boxers lack proper guidance and planning without proper leadership.
Additionally, BFI and Asian countries are lobbying world boxing to rethink current weight classes. Asian boxers have excelled in performing better in lighter-weight categories, while European boxers are stronger in heavier divisions. The proposed changes aim to make the competition more balanced, but for now, Indian boxers are not sure about their weight divisions.
