NEW DELHI: Around 40 Indian boxers are facing uncertainty over their place in the national camp after their names were missing from a sanction letter issued by the Sports Authority of India (SAI). The confusion has raised doubts about whether these athletes will be able to take part in the assessment process for selecting India’s teams for the upcoming Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.
Selection Policy and Missing Names
According to the Boxing Federation of India’s (BFI) selection policy released last year, the top two finishers in each of the 20 weight categories at the Chief of Army Staff Cup were supposed to earn entry into the national camp. The tournament was held between March 30 and April 5, and those selected were expected to join the camp from April 25. However, when the sanction letter arrived from SAI on April 29, the names of all 40 eligible boxers were reportedly missing.
The BFI said, “The sanction was received on 29th April 2026, and 40 names are currently missing from the list.” The federation has been trying to resolve the issue with SAI, but there has been no clarification yet.
Boxers Worried Over Missed Opportunity
The uncertainty has left several athletes anxious because the assessment process is the key pathway to making India’s squads for major international events. Speaking to news agency PTI, one affected boxer said, “We were told winning the COAS Cup will get us to the camp. It is the same policy as last year so I don't know what the issue is.”
The boxer further added, “I am just hoping the sanction letter arrives over the weekend so that I can reach the camp on time and take part in the assessment.”
Assessment Process Postponed
Due to the confusion, the assessment process has been postponed by one day and will now begin on May 6 instead of May 5. The evaluation will include fitness tests, weight management checks and knockout-format sparring bouts. Performances in these assessments will help decide India’s squads for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the Asian Games in Japan later this year.
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