Boxers question fairness in selection, BFI rejects claims

Even as women boxers Jyoti Gulia and Neeraj Phogat questioned the fairness of the evaluation process to select the Indian team for the Asian boxing championships, the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) on Monday rejected their claims saying the system was fair.

In separate letters written to the Sports Authority of India (SAI), former World youth champion Jyoti, who was ranked third with a total of 224.45 points as against Nikhat Zareen who topped the 51kg chart with 261.9 in the assessment, and World Boxing Cup Finals bronze medallist Neeraj, who placed fifth with 225.55 against top-ranked Ankushita Boro (267.73) in 65kg, raised doubts over transparency of the process.

While Neeraj cited several instances of selection-related ‘irregularities,’ including those during the evaluation for the Asian championships, Jyoti claimed that she was the No.1 boxer throughout different assessment tests in her weight class. “I can only beat my opponents, I can’t kill them,” said Jyoti.

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BFI executive director Col. (retd.) Arun Malik said these allegations were baseless. “The system was absolutely fair and neutral agencies were involved in it. Last year we got good results. Some boxers moved court over the issue in the past but the court upheld our selection process,” said Malik.

As per the BFI policy, boxers reaching the finals in the Asian championships will earn automatic berths for the Commonwealth and Asian Games.

“We will give exposure to the second and third ranked boxers by sending them to World Cup legs and other events. This will strengthen our bench strength,” said Malik.

Published on Mar 02, 2026