Question : Promotion of Boxing

(a) the details and the present status of the federation/body responsible for the administration/promotion of boxing sports in the country; (b) whether the Government is aware of various issues/disputes/problems being faced in the boxing administration in the country in the recent past; (c) if so, the details thereof along with the reaction of the Government thereto; (d) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to streamline the boxing administration and restore its credibility; and (e) the other steps being taken by the Government for promotion of boxing sports in the country?

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR
YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS
(SHRI VIJAY GOEL)
(a) to (d): Madam, till the year 2012, Government had given recognition to the Indian Amateur Boxing Federation ( IABF) for promotion of boxing sport. Government decided to withdraw its recognition to IABF as per the provisions of Sports Code. Sports Authority of India continued to provide financial and other support to Indian boxers for participation in various international events during the period when no NSF for Boxing was in place. During this period, Government made efforts to resolve the issues /disputes
faced by the administration of Boxing including arranging a meeting of various stake-holders to ensure that an NSF for Boxing is put in place in the interest of Indian Boxers.
Boxing Federation of India (BFI) which was formed in May, 2016 held its election on 25-9-2016. AIBA accorded its recognition to BFI on 5.10.2016. Government granted it recognition as the NSF for promotion and development of boxing in India. BFI has started functioning and has conducted national championship.
(e) To promote sports, including sport of boxing, in the country, Government and Sports Authority of India are implementing a number of schemes for construction of sports infrastructure, organizing sports competitions in rural areas, identification and nurturing of talent, helping sportspersons to achieve excellence, etc. Cash awards are given to sportspersons who excel at the international level and their coaches. National Sports awards are given to recognize achievements of sportspersons. There are also schemes to give pension to sportspersons and provide financial assistance to sportspersons and their family members in distress.
Recently, SAI has set up a boxing academy at Rohtak, Haryana for providing training and other facilities to Indian boxers.
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