(SEPT 16) With the 17th Edition of the Asian Games due to open in Incheon, South Korea on Friday 19th, there has been much relief in Indian boxing circles that the International Boxing Association (AIBA) has provisionally appointed a new National Federation to replace the I.B.F which was suspended in December 2012 and finally had its membership terminated in March 2014.

In an announcement from its HQ in Lausanne this week it was confirmed that the AIBA Executive Committee Bureau has formally recognized Boxing India as the provisional AIBA National Federation representing the sport of boxing in India.

AIBA President Dr Ching-Kuo Wu, confirmed to the President of ‘Boxing India’, Mr Sandeep Jajodia :

“On behalf of the International Boxing Association (AIBA), I would like first of all to congratulate you and your New National Federation on the recent elections of all the Executive of Boxing India including you as its President.”

“Immediately after having received your letter with all results as well as AIBA’s Observers’ reports, the process of getting the approval of the AIBA Executive Committee Bureau to formally recognize Boxing India as an AIBA Provisional Member was conducted. In this regard, I am pleased to inform you that the AIBA EC Bureau has unanimously approved your AIBA Provisional Membership which will be further ratified by the 2014 AIBA Congress.”

Dr Wu concluded : “I would like to emphasize 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.” In this regard, a team of Boxing India Management was invited by AIBA President to have a learning session at the AIBA Headquarters to catch up on all AIBA programs and on how the sport of boxing should be managed in India as soon as possible after the AIBA Congress.

AIBA also requested that Boxing India applies for a membership of Indian Olympic Association and receive its recognition following the IOC Charter in the very near future.

There had been concerns in India that the boxers might not receive clearance in time for Incheon ,to compete under the country’s National Flag but AIBA’s Communications Manager, Albina Krasnodemska has confirmed to WBAN on Tuesday that clearance has been given for the team to compete under the Tricolour. The boxing programme extends from 24 Sept to Oct 2 with but the usual three weights for women.

M.C Mary Kom who took Bronze at the 2012 London Olympics has recently returned to the ring following a two year break from the sport (she had a third baby and also two surgical interventions in the intervening period) and will be hoping to medal in Incheon.

In an interview with “The Hindu” she said:

“My dream (of winning a gold medal) was not fulfilled in the last Olympics. That’s why I came back.

“I am trying my best to fulfil my dream. After (London) Olympics, I had a baby.

“After remaining out of the ring for two years, it was very hard to return. I had two surgeries — one for the delivery and one for the removal of the gall bladder. We face so many problems in life, but fight back. This is my passion and this is what I love to do. I always try to win a medal for the country, but even if I do not win a medal I enjoy the experience.”

Does she expect to medal in Incheon? :

“I cannot say anything about the competition. Anything can happen.

“I have a lot of experience and I will manage (even without any competitive exposure prior to the Games). In the Asian Games all the opponents from different countries are the same.

“I just train hard and keep focus.”

“When I go into the ring, I do not have any different feeling. I have been practising and now I am hundred per cent fit and in my old form.”

“I have no idea about the age factor. I will go for the Rio Olympics and let’s see what happens in between,” she told ‘The Hindu’ newspaper.

The Indian team also includes two other leading women boxers with medal hopes in Laishram Sarita Devi at 60kg and Poona Rani (75kg). Sarita Devi took a silver medal at the recent Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and hopes to go one better in Incheon.