The Indian Boxing Federation (IBF) is set to market the sport cricket style.
The IBF secretary-general, Muralidharan Raja, is scheduled to meet BCCI Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Ratnakar Shetty, during the Super Cup boxing tournament in Mumbai from January 13 to 16. Raja is also planning to meet the Indian Premier League commissioner, Lalit Modi, the man behind the “IPL success”.
“I am planning to meet the BCCI officials during the Super Cup in Mumbai. It (BCCI) is a role model when it comes to marketing the sport. We will basically discuss the problems one is bound to face while conducting a successful event and also while marketing the sport over a period of time,” said Raja.
“It is a tall order but we will have to follow their model if we are to take boxing to the next level,” Raja added.
Hunt for a marketing agent
To rev up the image of the sport, the IBF is also on the lookout for an exclusive marketing agent. A contract will be signed between the IBF and the agent for four years starting Feb 1, 2010, and the tender documents will be issued on Saturday.
A special feature of this tender is that minimum guarantee is being sought from the bidders and profit sharing on a percentage basis will be worked out with them. The IBF has already contacted IMG, IOS, Percept, Leisure Sports and and a few other sports management firm.
{{/usCountry}}A special feature of this tender is that minimum guarantee is being sought from the bidders and profit sharing on a percentage basis will be worked out with them. The IBF has already contacted IMG, IOS, Percept, Leisure Sports and and a few other sports management firm.
{{/usCountry}}Australia pull out
Australia have pulled out of the Commonwealth Boxing Championship owing to prior commitments, while Canada is still doubtful for the event to be held at the renovated Talkotara Stadium in Delhi from March 10-18.
“Rest of the nations have confirmed their participation. More than 100-200 boxers from 15-20 countries will participate,” said Raja.
The Indian team would be selected on the basis of the boxers’ performance in the Super Cup and a two-week trial camp in Patiala.