Boxing India elections tomorrow, new beginning in store

MUMBAI: Close to two years after the national federation's suspension sent Indian boxing into a downward tumble, a fresh beginning is all set to be made tomorrow with the conduct of elections to form a new governing body even though the run up to the polls has been marred by controversies.

Boxing India, the preliminary body recognised by the International Boxing Association (AIBA) as India's representative, will be conducting the election, the build-up to which has been marred by allegations of manipulation.

The body, which will take shape after tomorrow's voting, will be called Boxing India instead of the previous Indian Amateur Boxing Federation (IABF), terminated earlier this year after a suspension dating back to December 2012.

Two AIBA observers, legal manager Cliodhna Guy and India's representative in the world body Kishan Narsi, will oversee the proceedings and submit a report which would decide the fate of Boxing India.

The proceedings will be video-recorded to avoid any unsavoury phase of allegations after voting.

Once a new body takes shape tomorrow, the boxers will also heave a sigh of relief as re-recognition would allow them to compete under their national flag besides increasing the invitations for exposure trips, which had all but dried up following the federation's suspension.

"Everything possible has been done to ensure transparency," Boxing India member Udit Seth had told PTI.

Boxing India is a consortium of former administrators and corporates, including CMD of long-time Indian boxing sponsor Monnet Ispat Limited, Sandeep Jajodia.

Jajodia is all set to be elected unopposed as President of the new body as no other candidate is in fray for the position.

In the final list of nominations, there are three contenders for the Secretary General's post. Delhi's Rohit Jain, Maharashtra's Jay Kowli and Haryana's Rakesh Thakran.