IABF keen to retain Fernandez’s services

Thanks to the Indian boxers’ impressive show, the Indian Amateur Boxing Federation is set to recommend Cuban coach's name to the SAI for another term, reports Abhishek Hore.

Thanks to the Indian boxers’ impressive show at the Beijing Olympics, the Indian Amateur Boxing Federation (IABF) is set to recommend Cuban coach B.I. Fernandez’s name to the Sports Authority of India (SAI) for another term.

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Fernandez’s — his contract with the IABF expired this month — association with Indian boxing goes a long way back and realising his contribution to the sport, the IABF wants the Cuban to continue.

“He has been doing a great job. He was with the boxers during the qualifiers and that must have helped them a lot,” said IABF secretary general Colonel Muralitharan Raja.

“His term has ended and we would like him to continue but then all the foreign coaches are going home now. Nothing has been finalised as of now,” Raja added.

“Even he (Fernandez) is interested. I’m going to meet him on Thursday and will discuss the matter with him.

“Indian boxing is doing well and his contribution has been immense,” Raja said.

“I don’t mind working with the IABF. There are a lot of talented boxers in India and I would happy to work with them again,” said Fernandez.

Even the Indian boxers would love to see Fernandez continue as their coach. They have on a numereous occasions in the past praised the Cuban’s contribution in giving them a shape.