New Delhi: Indian boxing faces the risk of being denied a spot in the Olympics. Due to alleged whereabouts filing failure and anti-doping infractions, one of the quota earners is facing suspension from an international testing body.
The boxer is in violation of the World Anti-Doping Agency code, which requires athletes to comply with their whereabouts and testing requirements. If they do not, it will be considered a failure to report their location. Three whereabouts failures in a year will result in suspension from the testing agency.
The Boxing Federation of India (BFI), the sport's governing organisation in the nation, has been working for some time to address the issue. The problem was initially brought to light following the Asian Games. The investigation covers the period from April 2022 to March 2023, according to reports. Vidushpat Singhania, a sports lawyer representing the pugilist, confirmed that the hearing is now taking place. "The hearing is going on in alleged whereabout violation with International Testing Agency and sanctions, if any," he said.
It goes without saying that if the situation is not resolved in a timely manner, the country's quota count may be reduced to three. The coach of the boxer in question is naturally disappointed, believing that her case should have been handled better. "I feel her case could have been handled better. People in charge didn't pay attention then. It's a big disappointment," the coach said.
"Everyone should be self-independent. The boxer also should have remained mindful about that issue. It's a big blow as we had put our tears and sweat for years to come close to the Olympics," he added.
Despite several tries, the BFI could not be reached. About a month ago, a representative acknowledged the problem and stated that the federation's legal counsel is trying to resolve it.
India now has four quotas, all of them are for women. At the next 2nd World Olympic Qualifying tournament, which is set to take place in Bangkok, Thailand from May 24 to June 2, the nation's boxers will strive to increase that total. For Indians, it will be their final chance to earn a spot in the Paris Olympics.