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SAI to oversee selection process of boxers for CWG and Asiad
SAI officials say the BFI's selection policy for the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games and the empanelment of coaches violate Sports Ministry guidelines. SAI will oversee the boxing assessment at the national camp in Patiala, starting May 6, 2026, with a two-phase process—strength tests on May 6-7 and sparring from May 11-15—amid boxer concerns and questions about the COAS Cup's role.
Why It Matters
The move introduces government oversight into national-level boxing selections ahead of major multi-sport events, signaling a push for greater transparency and adherence to ministry guidelines.
Timeline
7 Events
Sparring phase of assessment scheduled
May 11, 2026
Sparring phase of the assessment will be conducted in knockout format from May 11 to May 15, 2026.
COAS Cup held at Army Sports Institute, Pune
March 30-April 5, 2026
The COAS Cup was held in the Army Sports Institute, Pune from March 30 to April 5, 2026, a domestic tournament whose status as a pathway to the national camp is under scrutiny.
Strength and conditioning tests continue
May 7, 2026
Strength and conditioning tests continue as part of the national boxing camp assessment.
Strength and conditioning tests begin
May 6, 2026
Strength and conditioning tests for selected weight categories at the Patiala national boxing camp begin, with SAI observers overseeing the two-phase assessment.
SAI to oversee selection process and assess boxers
May 4, 2026
An SAI official stated that the BFI selection policy for the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games and the empanelment of coaches violate the ministry guidelines, and said SAI will oversee the assessment of boxers at the national camp in Patiala starting May 6. The concerns raised by boxers were discussed with BFI, and SAI observers will oversee the process. The assessment would proceed in two phases and will address issues related to the use of the COAS Cup as a domestic tournament and to pending coach empanelment.
BFI selection policy issued
December 8, 2025
BFI published a selection policy for the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games, noting a domestic tournament as a second pathway to the national camp.
MYAS circular on athlete selection issued
March 5, 2025
MYAS circular dated March 5, 2025 issued guidelines on the selection of athletes for national camps.