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What's the story?
With the Commonwealth Games 2018 just over a month away, the penultimate preparations surrounding it have already begun. However, in what comes as a disappointing development, the Indian contingent will not field any team for male boxers in the 64kg and 81kg categories, along with a couple of women's divisions as well.
Speaking about the proceedings, Boxing Federation of India (BFI) Secretary General Jay Kowli sounded tight-lipped as he stated, "I am not going to comment on individual weight categories which may or may not be there. But every boxer will be given a fair chance."
He further added, "We no longer have one-day trials. So, boxers are put through enough rigours to ensure that the best are chosen to represent the country. Right now, we are not just targeting the Commonwealth Games but also the Asian Games."
In case you did not know
BFI has cited low medals prospects in these divisions as the reason for their axing, if sources are to believed. The trials for the discarded categories are slated to take place by the end of this month. It will be conducted following the return of both the men's and women's teams return from Bulgaria after the culmination of the ongoing Strandja Memorial Tournament.
The deadline for submission of the final squads for the Commonwealth Games is March 5.
The heart of the matter
The decision implies that India would now be fielding an eight-member strong men's squad and a four-member strong women's team for the Games, to be held in Gold Coast, Australia.
Though the axing of 64kg and 81kg categories does not come as much of a surprise given that medal drought, the decision to drop the women's 57kg category has certainly raised. a few eyebrows.
What’s next?
With only a week left for the trials, it remains the be seen if BFI changes their stance on the matter or not.
Author’s take
In a country like India, there is never a dearth of talent. There is a plethora of brewing talents all across the nation. It’s about scouting and nurturing such potential athletes who can prosper and eventually end up winning a medal for the country.
