BFI Implements Rigorous Selection Framework for Major International Competitions
In a decisive move to strengthen India's medal prospects at the upcoming Glasgow Commonwealth Games and Asian Games, the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) has unveiled a stringent selection protocol that prioritizes the current form, consistent performance, and physical fitness of elite boxers. This policy represents a significant shift from previous selection methods and aims to ensure that only the most prepared athletes represent the nation on the global stage.
Asian Championships as Primary Selection Gateway
The federation has established that the finalists at the forthcoming Asian championships, scheduled to take place in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia from March 28 to April 11, will automatically secure their positions as India's primary entries for both the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. This decision underscores the importance of recent competitive performance in determining team composition for these prestigious multisport events.
Revised Selection Process and Evaluation Methodology
Currently, the BFI is conducting comprehensive trials at the National Institute of Sports in Patiala specifically for the Asian championships. During these trials, boxers are being systematically ranked for selection in weight divisions that have been approved for both the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games competitions.
Notably, the federation has implemented a crucial procedural change: while maintaining its established evaluation format for boxer assessment, the BFI has now delegated the responsibility of determining bout outcomes to the referees and judges (R&Js). This marks a departure from the previous system where national coaches held the authority to evaluate performances, assign ranking points, and ultimately select boxers for international tournaments.
Detailed Ranking and Selection Timeline
According to the official BFI policy document, the ranking evaluation will be conducted exclusively in Olympic weight categories during the final week of February, spanning 7-10 days of intensive assessment. The selection hierarchy has been clearly defined:
- The boxer achieving Rank 1 status will be designated as the main entry for the Asian boxing championships
- The boxer securing Rank 2 position will be maintained as the reserve athlete
- Finalists at the Asian championships in Ulaanbaatar, competing in Commonwealth Games and Asian Games weight categories, will be automatically selected as primary entries for both multisport events
This structured approach ensures transparency and merit-based selection while aligning with India's broader athletic ambitions for international success. The policy reflects the federation's commitment to fielding the strongest possible boxing contingent for these crucial competitions that serve as important milestones in the nation's sporting calendar.
