IOA forms ad-hoc panel, respite for country's boxers

With the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) forming an ad-hoc panel to replace the Indian Amateur Boxing Federation (IABF), the country's young pugilists can heave a sigh of relief.

With the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) forming an ad-hoc panel to replace the Indian Amateur Boxing Federation (IABF), the country's young pugilists can heave a sigh of relief. They can continue their preparations to earn a place in the national camp and also dream about competing in the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

The IABF was suspended by the international association (AIBA) last year, but the IOA after consultations with the world body has formed a six-member panel headed by Tarlochan Singh to manage the affairs of the sport in the country. The panel, according to IOA chief N Ramachandran, will not only select foreign-bound teams but will also oversee training and coaching in national camps.

Factionalism in the boxing federation was preventing aspiring players from moving up as no national competition has been organised for quite sometime now. The IOA did not specify for how long the ad-hoc panel would continue to officiate, but hoped the AIBA would take a decision on the Indian federation at its executive body meeting in November.

Games on hold
The IOA hasn't taken a call on the dates of the much-delayed National Games in Kerala. After its first executive council meeting here on Thursday, IOA chief said, "No decision has been taken. It will be sometime in early 2015, but that too is tentative."