The International Boxing Association (AIBA) warned the IOA against any attempts at reviving the terminated Indian Amateur Boxing Federation, saying its affiliation is only for the Boxing Federation of India.
“This letter is to confirm that the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) is the only national federation recognised by the AIBA in India,” AIBA’s interim President Franco Falcinelli said in a letter addressed to IOA President N Ramachandran.
“Therefore please be informed that no other national organisation can represent AIBA affiliation in India,” the letter stated.
The letter came close on the heels of a missive by Ramachandran to IOA Secretary Rajeev Mehta, stating that the derecognised IABF remains an affiliate of the IOA.
The IABF was de-recognised by the Sports Ministry after being terminated by the International Boxing Association (AIBA) back in 2014.
The IABF was initially terminated by the AIBA for manipulation in its 2012 elections, a move that led to four years of administrative turmoil in Indian boxing, ending with the formation of the BFI last year.
In its place, the BFI took over as the recognised body to run boxing last year. The BFI was voted to office in elections overseen by the AIBA and the Sports Ministry.
The BFI also got the recognition from the Indian Olympic Association earlier this year.
However, there are signs of fresh turbulence with the IABF’s attempts at reviving itself.
