The newly-formed Boxing Federation of India (BFI) has decided to introduce zonal representation system for states in the national body. India will be split into eight zones, with each zone comprising four to five state units (see graphic). The move is to ensure equal development of the sport across the nation.
The decision is in tune with the new Constitution passed by the BFI at its first General Council meeting last month in Kolkata. The meeting reportedly was attended by 35 of the 36 units (Gujarat was absent, it is learnt). The zones will have 16 members on the Executive Committee (EC), eight zonal vice-presidents and eight zonal secretaries. They will all be selected after the elections in May. Each affiliated state can contest for one post, either vice-president or secretary.
The second major decision proposed is the election of four boxers (two past champions and two current boxers) directly to the EC. This will help boxers have a say in the sport's administration at the national level.
Boxers have voice
The world body, AIBA, had appointed an ad-hoc committee in May 2015 to primarily look after the participation of the boxers at international meets. However, the committee recently was entrusted with the job of forming a new federation and conducting elections as well. Jay Kowli, convener of the ad-hoc committee, explained that in future boxers will have a direct role in the decision-making of the BFI.
Kowli, the lone Indian on AIBA’s Athletes & Youth Commission, said: “For Indian boxing to grow into a popular sport, the active boxers, male and female, should have a voice. BFI is setting up a system wherein boxers choose their own representatives to the Executive Committee. We want to involve distinguished former India boxers, Arjuna and Dronacharya awardees also in future.”
Comments
SHARE