IOA chief overruled secy on observer for boxing elections

Mumbai, September 27 

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) did not send an observer for the elections of the newly formed Boxing Federation of India on September 25 because of a difference of opinion between the top two officials of the body. 

It was learnt by PTI through copies of official communication between IOA secretary general Rajeev Mehta and president N Ramachandran that while the former wanted to send an observer he was vetoed by the latter. Ramachandran sent a mail to Mehta on September 24, saying there was no need to send an observer.

Mehta had earlier pointed out to Ramachandran that boxing “is a priority sport and is in limelight for non-existence of a recognised federation for quite some time now.”

Mehta had also mentioned in his mail that “IOA has also received instructions from International Olympic Committee to support the international boxing federation (AIBA) and  send an observer from IOA for the election”.

Ramachandran, however, wrote back to Mehta: “The affiliated federation for boxing with IOA is the Indian Amateur Boxing Federation. This has been reconfirmed by the IOA members in the AGM held in Chennai. Under these circumstances it will be legally incorrect if we send any observer to attend any meeting of any other body for boxing.” — PTI