AIBA pushing to include professional boxers in Olympics – Will we see Vijender in Rio?
Indian boxers are yet to qualify for the upcoming Olympics in Rio, but if AIBA have their way, we could possibly see Vijender Singh donning the India colours once again, at the biggest stage of all. The AIBA, on their 70th birthday, is pushing for the inclusion of professional boxers in the event.
“We want the best boxers to come to the Olympic Games. It is AIBA’s 70th birthday, and we want something to change – not after four years, but now.
“It is an IOC policy to have the best athletes in the Games and, of the international federations, AIBA is probably the only one without professional athletes in the Olympics. We already have our own professionals, APB and WSB [World Series] boxers, in the Games we will go further,” AIBA president Wu Ching-Kuo told the Guardian.
When asked whether the changes can be implemented before the 2016 Olympics in Rio, he said, “According to our statutes it is absolutely possible”.
Indian boxers have struggled to qualify for the Olympics this time around and all eyes will be set on the upcoming Asia/Oceania Olympic Qualifying Tournament, to be held in China from March 23 to April 3.
Veteran coach Gurbaksh Singh Sandhu painted a grim picture of India's chances in a recent interview.
(Read about Vijender's first title bout - Vijender Singh to fight for Asia boxing title in Delhi)
“You have to understand that qualifying rules have changed since the 2012 London Olympics. At the last Olympics, a quarterfinalist at
If AIBA are able to implement the changes in time, it might allow Vijender Singh, who turned pro in June last year, to represent his nation in the Olympics once again, and hence enhance India's chances of a medal. The 2008 Olympic bronze medalist has been in inspiring form since moving to the pro boxing circuit with three wins in his first three matches.
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