We will ship observer for Boxing Federation of India elections: AIBA President

Image Source : BOXING FEDERATION OF RUSSIA File picture of Umar Kremlev.
The International Boxing Association (AIBA) President Umar Kremlev on Monday informed PTI that the world physique will ship an observer for the Boxing Federation of India’s presidential elections on February 3, a request that got here from the BFI itself to make sure “free and fair polls”.
In an e-mail interview, Kremlev, who took cost in December final yr, additionally mentioned that AIBA’s relationship with India has mended after the bitter row over fee of pending dues by BFI was resolved.

“We have excellent relations with all our National Federations, including India. The issue of all payments for the World Championships was resolved and finally closed,” Kremlev mentioned.
“We will certainly send a competent observer from AIBA to the presidential elections in the Boxing Federation of India. Our task is to ensure complete transparency and democracy in each National Federation,” he added.
The election observer, in response to a BFI supply, is predicted to reach both tomorrow or on the day of polls and a destructive COVID-19 take a look at report could be sufficient to make sure the individual’s presence throughout the proceedings on Wednesday.
Incumbent Ajay Singh is being challenged by BJP chief and former Mumbai Cricket Association head Ashish Shelar for the President’s submit.
The 39-year-old Kremlev, who was an office-bearer within the Russian Boxing Federation earlier, additionally spoke concerning the large problem of bringing AIBA again into the International Olympic Committee’s fold.
The IOC had suspended AIBA in 2019, alleging mismanagement in governance and Kremlev is aiming to alter that in his tenure.
“Of course, it is a very bold process, nonetheless, I turned the AIBA President to finish it, to place issues so as, and return AIBA to the Olympic Family.
“I have no personal ambitions; my goal is to ensure the well-being of athletes and coaches. Only united, together with our National Federations, can we regain the trust of the IOC,” he asserted.
And in pursuit of this objective, Kremlev expects India to have a key position.
“India is undoubtedly a vital nation on the boxing map with wealthy traditions and powerful boxers. I might be glad to personally go to India on certainly one of my official journeys, to speak with the management and athletes.

“I am confident that India will make a great contribution to our joint work to restore the reputation of AIBA,” he mentioned.
Apart from this, Kremlev, like all different sports activities directors the world over, is assessing the influence of COVID-19 and promised dynamic measures to make sure that boxing occasions are carried out safely. Competitions have resumed in lots of components of the world and Indians too competed in December final yr at a match in Germany.
“We could have probably the most superior measures to guard the well being of our athletes, coaches, and R&Js (referees and judges), in addition to spectators, as that is our precedence.
“We will develop an effective programme in collaboration with leading health care professionals. As for the number of spectators, we will be guided by the recommendations of doctors and governments of the countries in which the tournaments will be held,” he mentioned.
Kremlev mentioned he’s hopeful that the Tokyo Olympics, postponed to this yr due to the pandemic, can go forward regardless of the various apprehensions however felt precedence must be the effectively being of these competing.
“I imagine that each one main competitions should, to begin with, guarantee the security of athletes, coaches, and followers. Based on this, the organizers need to make a smart resolution.
“I do not doubt that even in the current conditions of the pandemic, it is possible to hold tournaments at the highest level,” he mentioned.
“I am confident that boxing should remain an irreplaceable part of the Olympic movement, even in the case of a cut-down version of the Games.”
Another challenge that Kremlev believes must be addressed totally is the standard of AIBA’s referees and judges.
The officers turned a serious speaking level after controversies over outcomes throughout the 2016 Rio Olympics.
“Of course, the query of R&Js {qualifications} stays one of many key points for us. It is necessary for us that there are as few errors as doable and as a lot belief as doable within the referees and judges as professionals of their area.
“To this finish, we’re launching coaching programs for R&Js, officers, coaches, cutmen, and ringside medical doctors. We could have boxing academies constructed on each continent, which can turn out to be main centres for the coaching of specialists.
“…we will also conduct training courses in different countries, allowing specialists from all over the world to improve their qualifications.”