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In a shocking case, Boxing India (BI) completely disregarded the rights of Indian boxers by forcing eight female boxers to undergo pregnancy tests prior to the World Championships. As reported by the Times of India, unmarried and junior boxers (under the age of 18) were also forced to undertake the test.
Dr. Chandran, president of Indian Federation of Sports Medicine, confirmed that BI asked Sports Authority of India to conduct the test. "These boxers have been compelled to undergo pregnancy tests. They ordered and the SAI followed suit. Pregnancy tests were carried out on eight young unmarried girls, some even juniors, a classic case of human rights violation," Chandran said.
To make matters worse, not only were the tests against human rights, but also against the rugulations of International Boxing Association (AIBA).
“The shocking thing is that it was done against rules. In the AIBA Technical Rules 2.1.4.2 which came into effect on 31 Aug 2014, there is no provision to subject boxers to pregnancy tests” Chandran said.
The rule states ‘Women Boxers must additionally submit a non-pregnancy declaration along with the Medical Certificate. For women boxers under the age of 18, this non-pregnancy declaration must be signed by at least one of their parents or legal guidance'.
“The hapless girls in their eagerness to don India colours had no choice but to concede to such barbaric demands by the officialdom against their own dignity and honour," Chandran added.
BI has been under the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. At the Asian Games last month, Indian boxer Sarita Devi claimed to have no support of the federation after she lost the semi-final bout against Korean Jina Park. Incidents such as these certainly do not help the athletes, who suffer the most.
