India to be back in Aiba fold this year

The days of turmoil in Indian boxing are over and the newly-elected federation will be welcomed into international fold this year itself, said Aiba vice-president Edgar Tanner expressing confidence that the country’s administrative revival will stand the test of time.

Speaking after completing his role as International Boxing Association (Aiba) observer at the Boxing Federation of India elections on Sunday in Mumbai, Tanner said he was heading back a satisfied man.

“My report to Aiba is certainly going to be very positive because the elections were conducted competently. I am anticipating that the new federation will be given Aiba affiliation this year itself,” Tanner said.

Businessman Ajay Singh was elected president while Jay Kowli was voted to the secretary general’s office in polls conducted under the watchful eyes of not just an Aiba observer but also one from the sports ministry.

“I think a very promising start has been made in Indian boxing and I am confident that the new federation would be capably run,” Tanner, who is an Australian, said.

The BFI takes over from Boxing India, which was formed in 2014 and dissolved in 2015 following a revolt by state units. Asked if he felt the body formed this time would be able to sustain, Tanner said, “Oh absolutely, the competent manner in which the elections were conducted showed that the body would be run well. And I shall be reporting precisely this to Aiba.”