Following in the footsteps of other sports, boxing authorities in India too have decided to launch their own league. The announcement was made on Wednesday by Boxing Federation of India (BFI) president Ajay Singh.
This is part of India's re-integration in the world of boxing after a tumultuous period which saw the BFI getting de-recognised.
This week, the BFI welcomed a delegation of over 100 International Boxing Association (AIBA) Commission members to the capital for two days of meetings from 27-28th of last month, during which their recommendations for the Tokyo 2020 road-map were finalised and shared.
Speaking at the occasion, BFI president Singh said, "I am thankful to AIBA for giving us an opportunity to host Dr Wu and the complete AIBA family in India. It was an honour to showcase India to the world. I am also delighted that AIBA recognises the efforts being put in by BFI towards the development of boxing as a whole. BFI would be willing to be rightly integrated with AIBA community to further fulfill our mission of making India a dominant power in the world of boxing. Within four months of our operations, BFI has successfully conducted nationals for seniors and youth boxers, five international tournaments including one World Championship wherein India returned with great laurels."
Singh also revealed plans for increasing India's role in the boxing world. "India will be part of next World Series boxing competition that also acts as an Olympic qualifier for boxers. We would also be hosting one major international championship every year starting 2017. BFI will also begin Indian Boxing league this year that will help towards the growth of the sport in the country and will provide boxers with a financial benefit along with great amount of exposure."
AIBA President Ching-Kuo Wu said, "The commission meetings in New Delhi leave us in no doubt that over the next Olympic cycle, we will be putting the elements into place for the strongest Olympic boxing competition we have seen."