(JULY 25)
The A.I.B.A has lost its battle to persuade the International
Olympic Committee (I.O.C) to include three additional weights
for Rio 2016 in a decision that will surprise and seriously
displease all supporters of the sport worldwide.
Women’s boxing had been one of the great success stories of
London 2012 and the AIBA had been hopeful that there could be
six weight classes in Rio.
A statement just in from I.O.C Executive Board HQ in Lausanne,
Switzerland offered this explanation: "The EB discussed the
topic of possible modifications to disciplines, events, quotas
and competition formats at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de
Janeiro, and reiterated that any request from International
Federations that would result in a higher number of athletes or
increased number of medals, thereby adding to the cost and
complexity of the Games, would not be considered."
Today, an AIBA spokesperson said :"The International Boxing
Association (AIBA) take note and respect this decision but hope
that more opportunities will be opened to women boxers at the
2020 Olympic Games."
The decision will come as a great blow to AIBA chief, Dr Ching
Kuo-Wu who had been in active discussion to have an additional
three weights included It should be stressed that similar hopes
from other sporting organisations have also been dashed
including those of Sailing, Swimming and Cycling.
You will recall that after London 2012 IOC President Jacques
Rogge had said : “I think we have been vindicated that it was a
good decision, and it’s only the beginning.”
Once again boxers will have to lose or gain weight if they are
to have any hope of competing in Rio where such as Nicola Adams,
Claressa Shields and Katie Taylor will be hoping to retain their
titles.
On hearing today’s news that
there will be no additional weights at Rio 2016 , Pete Taylor,
famed Irish coach - and father - of Olympic Gold Medallist and
four times AIBA world champion – Katie Taylor , expressed his
thoughts on the subject.
“I am disappointed and very surprised by this , said Pete
Taylor. “It’s crazy and once again women boxers are being
treated as second class citizens.
“I thought that given the success of the sport at the London
Olympics that women’s boxing would get two or three more weight
classes for Rio. It beggars belief that they are once again
being restricted to three weights.
“Women’s boxing proved itself at London 2012. The bouts were
exciting and very competitive and were just as good as the
men’s.
They are not looking for any special treatment. All they are
looking for is to be treated equally. “
WBAN expresses the hope that that IOC and AIBA will again review
the possibility of adding more weights for 2016 and feel sure
that such a ‘change of heart’ would be welcomed by boxing
supporters the world over.
At a time when the world of boxing is at a ‘cross roads’ in many
countries, the AIBA is on to a winner in doing everything in its
power to promote more women’s boxing not only in the Olympic
Games but also through AIBA TV, and in the not too distant
future through its soon to be released APB programme.
Remember those hazy, crazy, Golden Days last Summer (August
2012) at the ExCeL ? What a tremendous boost for the I.O.C and
for A.I.B.A as well as finally recognising women’s boxing.
Remember how TV and world media reported via TV,Radio. Twitter,
Facebook and all social media comments like this from Irish
National TV broadcaster RTE :
RTÉ Sport (via Twitter)
IOC official: Decibel level during Katie Taylor fight hit 113.7
- the highest recorded at the Games so far (Jet engine is 140
decibels)
To IOC and AIBA, WBAN says :Let’s have more of the same please
in Rio in 2016 but with more weights. It is never too late to
re-consider.
As the old proverb goes : “Where there is a will there is a way”
More news as we have it here on WBAN.COM with
early reaction from boxers – and supporters – round the world.
WBAN PETITIONS THIS ISSUE:
http://www.change.org/petitions/petition-increase-weight-classes-for-female-boxers-in-2016-olympic-games-in-rio-de-janeiro
Others reporting this:
Morning Star Online
http://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/news/content/view/full/135786
Sporting Life
http://www.sportinglife.com/boxing/news/article/543/8839784/aiba-admit-defeat-in-rio-bid
WBAN
ON TWITTER -
