Haryana Olympic Association warns athletes against unauthorised sports events

In the aftermath of a controversy involving Haryana boxers participating in an unrecognised international boxing event in Sri Lanka, the Haryana Olympic Association (HOA) has issued a advisory cautioning against involvement in unauthorised sports competitions.

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The advisory, released on Sunday by HOA president Jaswinder Meenu Beniwal, was addressed to all District Sports Officers and general secretaries of District Olympic Associations. It expressed concern over the rising number of unauthorised sports events being organised across Haryana by entities not affiliated with the state’s official sporting bodies.

“Certain organisations, not affiliated with the HOA, have been independently organising sports events and often misleading athletes into participation. It could have serious consequences on the careers of the sportspersons,” warned Beniwal.

He stressed that only those state-level associations officially recognised by the HOA are authorised to conduct legitimate sporting events. “Participation in competitions organised by unauthorised bodies could not only hamper an athlete’s career prospects but also compromise the structured development of sports in Haryana,” he added.

The advisory also took a critical view of officials who attend such unofficial events, terming it a matter of shared responsibility. “It is a reminder of a shared responsibility to uphold the integrity of sports in Haryana,” said Beniwal.

The advisory comes in the wake of a recent controversy involving 19 Indian boxers, including 17 from Haryana, who participated in an international boxing event held in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The event was organised under the banner of the Asian Boxing Confederation (ASBC), a body not recognised by the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) or any international governing authority.

Though the athletes returned with 17 medals — including gold, silver and bronze — their achievements are now overshadowed by the regulatory fallout. The BFI has issued show-cause notices to all 19 participants and accompanying officials, demanding explanations within 10 days.

As the event lacked official sanction, the medals and performances will receive no formal recognition, and the athletes stand disqualified from future official selections or awards related to this event.

Officials have flagged this as a growing issue in Indian sports, where parallel and unregulated organisations conduct tournaments without oversight, often misguiding young athletes and undermining the credibility of the state's sporting structure.