Manju Rani of RSPB (purple) celebrates after successful the 48kg class gold at the sixth Elite National women’s boxing championship at the Tatya Tope Stadium in Bhopal on December 26, 2022.
| Photo Credit: A.M. FARUQUI
Following complaints from not less than three boxers about their non-inclusion in the Indian squad for the upcoming World women’s boxing championships, the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) is eager to resolve the problem even whereas insisting that the selection has been carried out as per the new evaluation policy.
National champions Manju Rani (48kg), additionally a former World championships silver medallist, Shiksha Narwal (54kg) and Poonam Poonia (60kg) — who scored 564, 573 and 567 factors to come back second behind Nitu Ghanghas (634), Preeti (623) and Jaismine Lamboria (612) respectively — have written to the BFI with a request to incorporate their names in the squad. They are additionally considering authorized choices if their grievances usually are not addressed.
BFI secretary Hemanta Kalita mentioned the boxers knew about the evaluation policy, ready following consultations with excessive efficiency director (HPD) Bernard Dunne, beforehand.
“All the boxers knew about the policy. It’s on our website. The chief coach (Bhaskar Bhatt) explained the policy to the boxers in Hindi. The selection was fair and there was no scope for favouritism,” mentioned Kalita, who was a part of the committee that reviewed all evaluations.
Earlier, selection was carried out both via trials or by choosing the National champions.
Now, a High Performance Unit (HPU), comprising the HPD, the head coaches of males and women’s groups and assist workers, carried out the selection via a three-week evaluation course of, which had the goal of choosing the athletes who’re seen as ‘genuine medal hopes.’ Nine of the 12 National champions made the minimize.
In the first week, athletes have been examined for efficiency in coaching (together with endurance, power and conditioning). In the subsequent two weeks, they have been examined for technical and tactical abilities, involving a number of elements, throughout sparring as nicely as the above-mentioned parameters.
Scores given by the HPD and two head coaches have been added to seek out the greatest athlete in every weight class.
“This is a contact sport and every boxer feels she has done well. This list may change in future and these boxers, who missed out this time, may get picked. We are addressing the issue,” mentioned Kalita.
