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BFI scraps assessment system, trials back for selection
The Boxing Federation of India will revert to selection trials for the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games after scrapping the assessment system. Trials are planned for May 13-15, 2026 at NS NIS Patiala with a new five-judge sparring scoring system and immediate score announcements, while earlier strength and conditioning tests are discarded. Some COAS Cup finalists are excluded from trials due to objections by SAI and open-trial options were reportedly discussed but not scheduled.
Why It Matters
The change aims to restore transparency and fairness in boxing selections for major international events, amid concerns raised by boxers and regulatory objections. It signals a shift from a structured assessment approach to traditional trials under new oversight.
Timeline
13 Events
Upcoming trials for CWG and Asian Games to be held May 13-15, 2026
May 13, 2026
Trials for CWG, Asian Games and other international events scheduled to be conducted from May 13 to May 15, 2026, at NS NIS Patiala under the revised selection framework.
Open trials option discussed, but no time to hold them
May 12, 2026
SAI reportedly offered BFI the option to hold open trials inviting top boxers from each state if medallists from COAS Cup were to be included; however, there was no time to hold such an open trial.
COAS Cup finalists barred from trials; SAI objection to closed event
May 12, 2026
BFI said the finalists of the 2nd COAS Cup would not participate in the trials due to SAI objections that the event was closed and not in line with Sports Ministry guidelines.
Campers receive 1% weight allowance for sparring
May 12, 2026
BFI announced that campers will be given a 1% weight allowance for sparring in the new selection process.
Five-judge sparring scoring and 12 officials confirmed
May 12, 2026
BFI confirmed a five-judge scoring system for sparring bouts and that the scores would be announced immediately after each bout; a total of 12 referees and judges would be engaged in the evaluation process.
Earlier sports science scores withdrawn
May 12, 2026
BFI stated that scores from earlier sports science tests, weight management, health management and attendance would be withdrawn and treated as null and void.
BFI notification details on new trials and scoring
May 12, 2026
BFI announced that the selection for CWG, Asian Games, and other international events would take place from May 13 to May 15, 2026, at NS NIS Patiala, using a revised five-judge sparring scoring system and immediate post-bout score announcements, with 12 referees and judges.
Boxers Jyoti Gulia and Neeraj Phogat raise doubts with SAI
May 11, 2026
Boxers Jyoti Gulia and Neeraj Phogat contacted the Sports Authority of India after concerns were raised about the selection process following the Asian Championships.
BFI announces new assessment methodology after discussions
May 11, 2026
BFI announced a revised assessment methodology following discussions between head coaches and Target Olympic Podium Scheme officials on May 11, 2026.
Nine COAS Cup boxers meet TOPS officials
May 11, 2026
Nine boxers from the COAS Cup met TOPS officials as part of discussions around selection for international competitions.
HT reports proposed changes to the selection system
May 11, 2026
The proposed changes to the boxing selection process were reported by Hindustan Times on Monday, May 11, 2026.
Strength and conditioning tests conducted for national campers
May 10, 2026
BFI conducted strength and conditioning tests on boxers on Sunday, May 10, 2026; these tests will be discarded under the new selection methodology.
Introduction of the boxing assessment system by Bernard Dunne in 2023
2023
The evaluation system to select boxing teams was introduced in 2023 by then-High Performance Director Bernard Dunne, evaluating boxers over two weeks on metrics such as sparring, strength and conditioning, and weight management, replacing the prior trials system.