After the lifting of suspension on Indian boxers, the barred Indian Amateur Boxing Federation has got another shot in the arm with the world body, AIBA, approving its amended constitution.
"The amended constitution has been approved and we have sent a copy of it to the Sports Ministry as well," IABF Secretary General Rajesh Bhandari told PTI today.
AIBA had provisionally suspended the IABF last year, citing the International Olympic Committee's ban on the Indian Olympic Association and "possible manipulation" in its elections.
The governing body had asked the IABF to amend its constitution to make it compliant with the AIBA Statute as one of the pre-requisites for the lifting of suspension.
"The AIBA wanted us to drop the word amateur because we have incorporated the provisions for professional boxing as well. We have also incorporated the age and tenure limitation guidelines which should satisfy the ministry as well," said Bhandari.
The IABF was also suspended by the Sports Ministry, which wants it told hold a re-election.
"We are not averse to a re-election but we have given a point by point reply to the ministry's objections. They should tell us, what is it that we have done wrong," he said.
The nominated post of Chairman, which is currently occupied by former IABF President Abhay Singh Chautala, has also been removed from the amended constitution.
"We want the suspension to be revoked at least from the Ministry's side now. We have adhered to the sports code and have incorporated changes as suggested to us," Bhandari said.
"Because this is what was discussed at our last meeting with the Ministry officials. Now they should keep their word after going through the constitution," he added.
