Dec 162012
 

Mary wants solution to IOA suspensionKolkata: Deeply upset with the IOC`s suspension of the Indian Olympic Association, London Games bronze medalist MC Mary Kom today appealed to the top bosses to find a way out to save sportpersons careers.

“We would be grateful if the higher authorties find a solution as soon as possible. I don`t want to suffer. We want to play with free mind to get more medals,” the five-time world World Boxing champion said here today.

“I am not a politician, I am a sportsperson. But we all are very upset. We can`t continue our career. If we can`t fight in the international meets, then what`s the use to be a player?

“With this (impasse), our training suffers. My boxing federation supports me but I don`t know what is going on. So I am focussing only on training and competition, giving our best to earn medals for the country. If they remove ban, we would be really grateful,” the 29-year-old mother of twins added.

The diminutive boxer, who won the bronze in 51kg category, said she does not have any competition right now.

“But in 2013, there is Asian Championship in May and some small meets for the youngsters.”

New to the 51kg weight category, Mary hoped her pet category of 48kg is introduced in the next Olympics Rio.

“I will have to discuss with the coaches. I hope 48kg is introduced in Rio 2016. Then I`ll try to give gold.”

Asked about being made one the national icons of the Election Commission, the Manipuri Olympian said: “It`s really a big honour. In politics, we want good person, good support.”

Asked on the fate of the upcoming MC Mary Kom Boxing Academy, she said, “I am hoping for something positive this Christmas, if it is successful then a lot of young talents will get to train in the academy.”

PTI

Dec 162012
 

AIBA might act more against IABF if re-election not held soonNew Delhi: The International Boxing Association (AIBA) might be forced to initiate more action against the suspended Indian Federation if its old guard does not take charge soon and calls for a re-election, which is essential to get the provisional ban revoked.

Suspended due to the International Olympic Committee`s ban on the Indian Olympic Association and for “possible manipulation” in its September polls, the IABF has been told to hold a re-election and amend its constitution to make it compliant with the AIBA statute.

The world body has refused to communicate with the new office-bearers, insisting on dealing with the old guard, which had Abhay Singh Chautala as the President.

Given AIBA`s stance, Chautala, who became the nominated Chairman of the new federation in the September polls, will have to take charge as President and initiate the steps that are being insisted upon by AIBA.

But that could jeopardise his position as the President of the Indian Olympic Association where he entered the fray because of his IABF position.

Sources have told PTI that AIBA might “suspend Chautala individually” if he does not take charge of the situation as the President of the old IABF.

The world body might end up working with the next rung of the old IABF hierarchy to conduct the re-elections under its supervision.

“He has to act as the President of the IABF, which AIBA recognises, and call a meeting of the house to set the ball rolling for the re-elections and constitutional amendments. If that does not happen then AIBA might have to suspend him and tell the other office-bearers to carry on with the process,” a source said.

The international body had recently relented to the extent of allowing Indian youth boxers to compete in a tournament in Azerbaijan but had barred any official from accompanying the team.

It has categorically refused to respond to the mails sent by current IABF Secretary General Rajesh Bhandari, insisting that it does not recognise him or any other office-bearer of the suspended body.

Already, the International Olympic Committee has urged all international federations to examine the situation in India and take necessary “action or measures” to “save the autonomy” of the federations in the country.

Calling the situation in India “complicated”, the IOC has told the international bodies, including AIBA, to examine “whether the national federation is in a position to exercise its activities in accordance with its own statutes, the IF regulations and the basic principles which govern the Olympic Movement.”

PTI