The suspension on Gujarat's participation in the upcoming Boxing India elections might have been revoked following directives from the international body but the state association has decided not to participate in the polls, saying that the process is "illegal" and "manipulated".
The Gujarat State Boxing Association (GSBA) was controversially suspended after Boxing India accused its Secretary General I D Nanavati of sending defamatory e-mail.
Nanavati rejected the charge, asserting that the alleged mails were sent from a fake ID, and wrote to the International Boxing Association (AIBA) seeking a revocation of the suspension.
Boxing India yesterday lifted the ban, making GSBA eligible to participate in the elections scheduled for September 11.
"I have been proved right, they (Boxing India) have told us that the suspension has been revoked after getting the AIBA's permission. I am sure this has to do with the fact that I wrote to AIBA about the issue," Nanavati told PTI.
"However, I will not participate in the elections as they are illegal. Let my name remain in the electoral college but I will not cast my vote.
"Right now, Boxing India does not have the backing of even 10 state units. A body which was recognised solely to conduct elections has fielded its own candidates and worse still, it is trying to get them elected with illegal and manipulative means," he added.
However, Boxing India claimed that contentious issues with the GSBA have been sorted.
"The suspension was revoked after issues with them were sorted out. The elections will go ahead as planned on September 11," said a Boxing India official.
Asked whether Boxing India has received any communication from the Indian Olympic Association, which reportedly wants to conduct the elections, the official said, "We have not got any intimation from the IOA. I really don't know what to say on these reports. Let them approach us first."
Nanavati, on the other hand, said, "Let's see if these elections even take place. With the IOA stepping in, you never know.
