Sports Ministry showcause to Boxing Federation of India over selection policy; fresh trials announced for Asian Games and CWG

BFI proposed that selection for the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games be conducted afresh from May 13-15 using a transparent evaluation system based on sparring performance. A 5-judge bench (head coach + four judges) will evaluate bouts, with scores announced immediately in the ring, and the previous marking system will not be followed. This marks the first time since former HPD Bernard Dunne’s exit that the boxing team will be picked entirely on selection trials.

The 2nd COAS Cup took place from March 31 to April 4, featuring teams from Army, Air Force, Navy, and Army Sports Institute, along with top teams from Senior Nationals, IIS, SAI, and NCOE. The entry of four teams from SSCB was cited as a factor in disqualification from the selection process for the boxing team.

The Sports Ministry issued a showcause notice to the Boxing Federation of India for governance and selection-process concerns, detailing multiple violations including ambiguity in the selection policy, lack of signed minutes, and non-adherence to revised norms, with seven days to reply.

A meeting between BFI secretary general Pramod Kumar, top coaches Santiago Nieva and CA Kuttappa, and SAI officials concluded that the current boxing selection process was inadequate and a revised, fair and transparent process should be drawn.

Several medallists from the 2nd COAS Cup met SAI officials to raise concerns, arguing that they trained hard to qualify for the evaluation process and should not be penalized due to administrative issues.

The Sports Authority of India flagged violations in the Boxing Federation of India's selection policy, citing issues related to the Sports Ministry's overarching guidelines on athlete selection announced for National Sports Federations in 2025. The note mentions ambiguity in the policy, unclear criteria for entry through the second pathway to the National Coaching Camp, and non-adherence to guidelines (circular dated 5 March 2025). It also cites concerns about fairness and transparency, missing signed minutes of the selection committee, and multiple governance grievances, with a seven-day reply deadline mentioned in the showcause.