The 2021 Asian Boxing Championship, initially scheduled to be held in New Delhi in May, has been shifted to Dubai, the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) stated in a press release on Wednesday.
The determination was made due to journey restrictions that a number of taking part nations have introduced to India due to the sharp rise in COVID-19 circumstances within the nation.
“In the wake of international travel restrictions to India, the Boxing Federation of India (BFI), in consultation with Asian Boxing Confederation (ASBC), has decided to conduct the upcoming 2021 edition of the ASBC Asian Elite Men and Women Boxing Championships in Dubai. The event will now be organised by BFI in association with UAE Boxing Federation,” stated the BFI.
The BFI stated that it has obtained a no-objection certificates from the Sports Ministry to conduct the event on the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex in New Delhi however had to finally make the choice of not internet hosting the event within the nationwide capital due to the journey restrictions.
“It’s unfortunate that we have to shift the venue out of India. We were very keen to host the championships in Delhi but we are left with no options. Boxers’ safety is the most important concern for us and hence we had to take this decision. We are grateful to UAE for accepting our request and agreeing to co-host on such a short notice. We are thankful to all member federations and ASBC for their cooperation,” BFI President Ajay Singh stated.
“We closely monitored the situation and after deliberation with ASBC as well as the Government of India, we decided to conduct the tournament in Dubai. I wish for everyone’s good health and safety and pray that India soon come out of this situation strongly,” he added.
