Boxing's Olympic Future in Jeopardy as ASBC Rejects WB

Boxing’s Olympic Future in Jeopardy as ASBC Rejects WB

Boxing’s Olympic future remains uncertain after the Asian Boxing Confederation (ASBC) voted against joining the rival World Boxing (WB) association. The vote, held via secret ballot, saw 21 countries opt to continue with the suspended International Boxing Association (IBA), while 14 favored joining WB.

The IOC has repeatedly threatened to exclude boxing from the 2028 Olympics if national federations continue to align with the IBA, which has been suspended due to governance and financial concerns. WB, a breakaway body, aims to gain IOC recognition and has 42 members, while the IBA has over 100 affiliated units.

The ASBC’s decision leaves the Olympic future of boxing hanging in the balance. However, Boxing Federation of India (BFI) president Ajay Singh remains optimistic that WB will reach the 50-member mark required for provisional IOC recognition by year-end.

“India is taking all possible steps to ensure that boxing remains a part of the Olympic movement,” Singh said. “It is clear that the IOC will not accept IBA as the international parent body for boxing.”

Despite the ASBC’s vote, Singh believes that 14 Asian countries that voted in favor of joining WB will soon submit their applications. IBA, meanwhile, has criticized WB, claiming it lacks the resources and expertise to organize major events and support its members.

“World Boxing has no finances, expertise, and support to organize any proper major events, no means to support their members, and no intention to develop boxing,” IBA said in a statement.

IBA also urged national federations to reconsider leaving, warning that it could lead to a dead end. However, WB welcomed the support from the Asian body, stating that it reflects the IBA’s hard work in boxing development worldwide.

Manu Bhaker Meets Mary Kom, Shares Olympic Experiences

Manu Bhaker Meets Mary Kom, Shares Olympic Experiences

Star Indian shooter Manu Bhaker, who made history by winning two medals at the Paris Olympics 2024, recently met with legendary boxer and former Olympian Mary Kom. Bhaker, who secured bronze medals in the women’s 10m air pistol and 10m air pistol mixed team event, is currently taking a break from shooting to recover from an injury.

During their meeting, Bhaker and Kom shared their experiences at the Olympics and discussed the challenges and triumphs they faced. Bhaker also expressed her admiration for Kom’s achievements, including her bronze medal in boxing at the London Olympics 2012.

In a heartwarming gesture, Bhaker requested Kom to plan a workout session with her. “It was great catching up with you didi @mcmary.kom, and talking about the Olympics and more… Thank you for your wishes and blessings and let’s plan a workout session soon!” Bhaker wrote on Instagram.

Meanwhile, Mary Kom, an eight-time world champion, was initially appointed as India’s Chef-de-Mission for the Paris Olympics. However, she had to step down due to personal commitments. “I consider it an honor to serve my country in every way possible, and I was mentally prepared for it. However, I regret that I will not be able to uphold the prestigious responsibility and would like to resign, owing to personal reasons,” Kom stated in a letter to IOA President PT Usha.

Despite her absence as Chef-de-Mission, Kom expressed her support for the Indian athletes competing in Paris. “I am there to cheer on my country and the athletes competing in this Olympic Games, with great expectations,” she added.

Manu Bhaker’s performance at the Paris Olympics was remarkable, as she became the first Indian athlete to win multiple individual medals at the Games. Her bronze medals in the 10m air pistol and 10m air pistol mixed team event showcased her exceptional talent and determination. She also came close to winning a third bronze in 25m pistol, finishing a creditable fourth.

Bhaker’s achievements have inspired countless young shooters in India and have cemented her place as one of the country’s most promising athletes. Her meeting with Mary Kom, a true icon of Indian sports, is a testament to the camaraderie and support that exists within the Indian sporting community.

India's Paris Olympics Performance: Progress Amidst Challenges

India’s Paris Olympics Performance: Progress Amidst Challenges

India’s performance at the Paris Olympics, while not as impressive as the Tokyo Games, still showcased progress and potential. Despite a dip in medal count from seven to six, India’s athletes demonstrated resilience and determination.

Neeraj Chopra, India’s most decorated Olympian, emphasized the importance of considering fourth-place finishes and the quality of performances. India had four fourth-place finishes, including a potential medallist who was disqualified for not meeting weight requirements.

While shooting was absent from India’s medal tally in Tokyo, it contributed three medals in Paris, along with three fourth-place finishes. Boxing and badminton, which had delivered medals in Tokyo, failed to do so in Paris, raising questions about their preparation and performance.

Despite significant financial investment in preparation, India’s athletes faced challenges in athletics, where the gap between India and the world’s best remains wide. However, exceptional individuals like Chopra continue to inspire hope.

Gagan Narang, the Chef-de-Mission, acknowledged the widening gap between India and other nations in key Olympic sports like track and field and swimming. He stressed the need for effective structures, programs, and plans to bridge this gap.

Hockey, which medalled in two consecutive Olympics, aims to build on its success by linking it with youth programs and academies. India’s head coach, Craig Fulton, believes that with the right priorities, anything is possible.

While India fell short of expectations in Paris, the performances of its athletes, including those who narrowly missed medals, provide a foundation for future growth and improvement.

Boxing's Olympic Future in Jeopardy After Gender Controversy

Boxing’s Olympic Future in Jeopardy After Gender Controversy

The future of boxing at the Olympics hangs in the balance after a damaging gender controversy overshadowed the sport’s inclusion at the Paris Games.

Boxing has been a staple of the modern Olympics since its debut in 1904, with legendary fighters like Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, Floyd Mayweather, and Lennox Lewis all starting their careers at the Games. However, its presence at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is now uncertain.

The controversy erupted when the International Boxing Association (IBA) disqualified Algerian Imane Khelif and Taiwanese Lin Yu-ting from its world championships last year, claiming genetic testing showed they were “men.” The IOC cleared them to compete in Paris, expressing doubts about the IBA’s testing and motivations.

Khelif won gold in Paris, declaring, “I am a woman like any other.” Taiwanese officials have threatened legal action against the IBA. Lin also won gold in her weight category.

The IBA’s actions have drawn widespread criticism, with veteran British boxing journalist Steve Bunce calling it “an absolute disaster.” Former British boxer Spencer Oliver agrees, saying, “It’s just a mess because boxing comes into the spotlight again, but for the wrong reason.”

At the heart of boxing’s problems is a dispute between the IOC and the IBA. The IOC stepped in to run boxing at the Tokyo and Paris Games, effectively freezing the IBA out of the Olympic movement. IOC president Thomas Bach has warned that boxing’s national federations need to find a new international partner for the IOC to consider its inclusion in 2028.

The IBA’s main contribution in Paris was a chaotic press conference that failed to clarify its reasons for disqualifying Khelif and Lin. IBA president Umar Kremlev, a Kremlin-linked oligarch, has been accused of misogyny and corruption.

Those within the sport fear that excluding boxing from the Olympics would have multiple repercussions. Ireland’s Kellie Harrington, who retained her title in Paris, worries that countries will pull funding for their boxing programs without the Olympics as a goal.

British boxing officials have highlighted the importance of the Olympics as a springboard for professional success, with former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua being a prime example.

Despite the governance issues, many believe that boxing’s absence from the Olympics would be a significant loss. “I think the Olympics without boxing would be a shame. It would be very, very sad,” said Oliver. “I’m hoping that they can sort out all the politics that go on behind the scenes, and boxing continues. I’m sure it will do.”

Algerian Boxer Imane Khelif Defies Gender Row, Eyes Olympic Gold

Algerian Boxer Imane Khelif Defies Gender Row, Eyes Olympic Gold

Fifteen years after Caster Semenya’s gender scrutiny at the Olympics, Algerian boxer Imane Khelif faces a similar ordeal at the Paris Games. Despite her impressive performance, Khelif has endured a barrage of threats and abuse due to misconceptions about her sex.

In 2023, the International Boxing Association (IBA) disqualified Khelif and Li Yu-ting of Taiwan from the World Championships, claiming they failed an eligibility test. However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) deemed the tests “irretrievably flawed” and permanently banned the IBA.

IOC President Thomas Bach has condemned the criticism against Khelif and Li as “hate speech.” He emphasized that both boxers are legally recognized as women and have competed as such for years.

Khelif’s journey to the Olympic final has been marked by dominance. She has not lost a single round and has showcased her exceptional skills. Her victory would not only secure a historic gold medal for Algeria but also serve as a powerful response to her detractors.

Khelif’s resilience and determination have earned her widespread admiration. Her story highlights the ongoing challenges faced by athletes who do not conform to traditional gender norms.

The IOC’s support for Khelif and Li sends a clear message that discrimination and abuse based on gender identity will not be tolerated. Their presence at the Olympics is a testament to the progress being made towards inclusivity and equality in sports.

Khelif, Henry Aim for Gold as Paris Games Near End

Khelif, Henry Aim for Gold as Paris Games Near End

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who has been at the center of an Olympic gender eligibility controversy, will compete for gold in Paris on Friday. The boxing competition has been overshadowed by a dispute over whether Khelif and Taiwanese fighter Lin Yu-ting should be allowed to compete in the women’s category.

Khelif and Lin were disqualified from last year’s world championships by the International Boxing Association (IBA) after failing unspecified gender eligibility tests. However, they were cleared to compete in Paris by the International Olympic Committee, which is running the boxing competition in the French capital.

The 25-year-old Khelif and Lin both fought at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago without controversy. On Friday, Khelif will face China’s Yang Liu in the 66kg final, while Lin will compete in a different weight category on Saturday.

The penultimate evening of track and field action features the men’s and women’s 4x100m relays, the men’s 400m hurdles, the women’s 400m, and the final event of the heptathlon, the 800m.

US sprint star Noah Lyles, who won the 100m earlier this week, could only manage bronze in his favored 200m on Thursday. Minutes after the race, won by Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo, Lyles revealed he had tested positive for COVID-19. The American later posted on social media that his Games were likely over.

In Friday’s women’s 10,000m final, Dutch runner Sifan Hassan will attempt to defend her crown after coming up short in her bid for a historic long-distance treble. Defending champion and world record-holder Karsten Warholm is favored to defend his title in the men’s 400m hurdles.

In football, Thierry Henry’s France will take on Spain in the men’s final at the Parc des Princes. Henry, one of France’s all-time great players, has led his country to the brink of their second football gold, 40 years after they won the title in Los Angeles.

Spain came from behind to beat Morocco 2-1 in their semi-final in Marseille, giving them confidence that they can handle the pressure in the French capital.

In diving, China is targeting gold in the women’s 3m springboard as they close in on a clean sweep in Paris, with victories in all six events so far. Defending champions the Netherlands will take on China in the women’s hockey final, chasing their fourth title in five Games.

History will be made when the first Olympic medals are won in the breaking competition staged at La Concorde.

Algerian Boxer Imane Khelif Disqualified Amid Gender Controversy

Algerian Boxer Imane Khelif Disqualified Amid Gender Controversy

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif’s journey to the 2024 Paris Olympics has been marred by controversy. After defeating Angela Carini from Italy, Khelif faced accusations of being a trans woman, sparking a heated debate on social media. The International Boxing Association (IBA) subsequently disqualified her from world championships for being “male.”

Khelif’s uncle, Rachid Jabeur, has vehemently denied these allegations, stating that she was born and raised as a female. He revealed that Khelif’s talent was discovered while she was playing with boys on the streets. Despite her father’s initial reluctance due to societal pressure, Jabeur and his wife took Khelif under their wing to support her boxing aspirations.

Khelif’s path to success was not without challenges. She faced bullying for being a female boxer and had to work hard to cover her training costs by selling scrap copper. However, she remained determined and overcame these obstacles with the support of her family and friends.

The controversy surrounding Khelif’s gender has raised questions about the IBA’s eligibility criteria. The IOC has stripped the IBA of its status as the global governing body for boxing, citing concerns over its handling of the situation.

Khelif’s case highlights the ongoing debate about transgender athletes in sports. The IOC has guidelines in place to ensure fair competition, but the issue remains complex and controversial.

Despite the setbacks, Khelif remains focused on her goal of competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics. She has appealed the IBA’s decision and is determined to prove her eligibility. Her story serves as an inspiration for athletes who face discrimination and challenges in their pursuit of excellence.

Algerian Boxer Imane Khelif Advances to Olympic Final Amid Gender Controversy

Algerian Boxer Imane Khelif Advances to Olympic Final Amid Gender Controversy

The Paris Olympics has been embroiled in a gender controversy involving Algerian boxer Imane Khelif and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting. Despite the controversy, Khelif has advanced to the final of the women’s 66kg category, guaranteeing herself at least a silver medal.

Khelif’s victory over Thailand’s Janjaem Suwannapheng in the semi-final was met with thunderous applause from the Algerian-dominated crowd at Roland Garros. The 25-year-old boxer has faced scrutiny over her gender eligibility, but has been cleared to compete by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Khelif’s journey to the final has been marked by controversy. In her opening bout, she defeated Angela Carini in just 46 seconds, leaving the Italian in tears and with a broken nose. The incident sparked a debate about Khelif’s gender, with some questioning her eligibility.

However, the IOC has defended Khelif and Lin, stating that they were born and raised as women and have passports that reflect their gender. The IOC is organizing boxing at the Games due to concerns about the International Boxing Association’s (IBA) financial, governance, and ethical issues.

Despite the controversy, Khelif has remained focused on her goal of winning a medal. She expressed her determination to achieve her dream and thanked her team for their support. “I am very proud of this new achievement,” she said. “I gave everything I had. We worked as a team for years and the dream has become a reality.”

Khelif will face China’s Yang Liu in the final, while Lin is guaranteed at least a bronze medal in the women’s 57kg division. The gender controversy has cast a shadow over the boxing competition, but Khelif and Lin have shown resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

Refugee Athlete Cindy Djankeu Ngamba Makes Olympic History with Medal Win

Refugee Athlete Cindy Djankeu Ngamba Makes Olympic History with Medal Win

Cindy Djankeu Ngamba, a trailblazing athlete from the Refugee Olympic Team, has etched her name in history by becoming the first refugee to secure an Olympic medal. Her triumph at the Paris 2024 Olympics marks a pivotal moment for the team, which has previously achieved its highest ranking with two fifth-place finishes at the Tokyo Games.

Ngamba’s journey to the podium has been marked by resilience and determination. Born in Cameroon, she now resides in the UK, but her lack of a British passport prevents her from competing for Team GB. Despite facing challenges, including a near-deportation experience, Ngamba has persevered.

Her sexuality has further complicated her battle for UK citizenship, as homosexuality is criminalized in Cameroon. However, Ngamba’s unwavering spirit has propelled her forward. She received a scholarship from the IOC refugee team and became the first female boxer to represent the team at the Olympics.

In the women’s 75kg boxing semi-finals, Ngamba showcased her aggressive and tactical prowess. She dominated the first round against French contender Davina Michel, securing a commanding lead in the second. Despite being advised to play it safe in the final round, Ngamba maintained her dominance, earning perfect scores from all judges.

Her victory has resonated deeply with refugees worldwide. “I want to say to refugees all around the world, [including] refugees who are not athletes around the world, keep on working, keep on believing in yourself, you can achieve whatever you put your mind to,” Ngamba said.

Ngamba’s achievement is a testament to the power of human spirit and the transformative impact of sports. Her journey serves as an inspiration to all who face adversity, reminding them that with determination and perseverance, anything is possible.

Saint Lucia's Alfred Targets Olympic Sprint Double, Ingebrigtsen-Kerr Clash Looms

Saint Lucia’s Alfred Targets Olympic Sprint Double, Ingebrigtsen-Kerr Clash Looms

Saint Lucia’s Julien Alfred is poised to make history on Tuesday as she aims for an Olympic sprint double in the 200m, following her triumph in the 100m. The tiny Caribbean island nation has never had an Olympic medalist before Alfred’s groundbreaking victory.

Alfred’s quest for a double mirrors that of Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson-Herah, who achieved the feat at the 2016 and 2021 Olympics. Alfred faces stiff competition from US sprinter Gabrielle Thomas, who boasts the world’s fastest time this year.

Meanwhile, the men’s 1500m promises a thrilling showdown between Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen and Great Britain’s Josh Kerr. Ingebrigtsen has been critical of Kerr’s absence from certain events, while Kerr has vowed to prove his worth on the track.

In boxing, Algeria’s Imane Khelif is at the center of a gender controversy after being disqualified from last year’s world championships. However, the IOC has cleared her to compete in Paris, where she is guaranteed at least a bronze medal.

The women’s football competition is heating up, with World Cup holders Spain and four-time gold medalists the United States on course for a potential final showdown. Spain faces Brazil in the semifinals, while the rejuvenated USA under new coach Emma Hayes takes on Germany.

Track cycling powerhouse Great Britain has already secured gold in the women’s team sprint and will seek to repeat their success in the men’s event. China’s divers are also aiming for a fifth gold in the women’s 10m platform.

In surfing, France’s Kauli Vaast and the United States’ Caroline Marks have already claimed gold medals in the men’s and women’s events, respectively. The USA now leads the overall medal table with 21 golds, ahead of China.

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