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SAI Suspends Boxing Trials, Throws CWG and Asian Games Selection Into Chaos

about 11 hours ago

Published: May 11, 2026

SAI Suspends Boxing Trials, Throws CWG and Asian Games Selection Into Chaos

The Sports Authority of India has halted the Boxing Federation of India's selection trials for the Commonwealth and Asian Games, citing lack of transparency in the evaluation process and unresolved disputes over coaching staff. The move has left elite boxers, including medal winners from the COAS Cup, uncertain about their national selection prospects.

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has suspended the Boxing Federation of India's (BFI) upcoming assessment trials for the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games, directing the federation not to proceed until further orders. The trials, scheduled for May 11–13 at NS NIS Patiala, were intended to finalize India's boxing squads for the two major multisport events later this year.

SAI raised multiple concerns in a formal communication sent by TOPS CEO NS Johal, citing unclarified evaluation criteria, lack of details on the High Performance Unit, and unresolved questions about the empanelment of coaches and support staff. The authority questioned whether coaches involved in the national camp would also participate in assessments, warning of potential conflicts of interest. SAI also reiterated that the BFI must bear all trial expenses and noted that required information had not been provided even after a week of follow-up.

The dispute intensified over the BFI's recognition of the 2nd Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Cup, held in Pune in April, as a selection pathway. While the BFI granted direct eligibility to gold and silver medallists from the event, SAI dismissed it as a 'closed-door' competition and refused to recognize it. As a result, nearly 40 boxers, including 2021 World Championships silver medallist Deepak Bhoria and reigning Asian champion Sanjeet, have been excluded from the selection process.

Several affected boxers plan to approach the Delhi High Court, demanding inclusion in the trials. Bhoria and Sanjeet issued a joint statement expressing disappointment, saying the BFI had promised COAS Cup medallists a place in the national camp and selection pathway. They cited exhaustion and lack of clarity on the final selection criteria.

The BFI has yet to issue an official response to SAI's directive. The court will hear the athletes' potential petition on May 20, while SAI and BFI officials are expected to meet for resolution talks by the end of the week.