Asia's Major Split: Boxing's Olympic Future at Stake

The Asian Boxing Confederation's vote to remain with the suspended International Boxing Association (IBA) over World Boxing (WB) has jeopardized the sport's Olympic future. Despite India's support for WB, the divergence between the federations leaves boxing's inclusion in the 2028 Olympics uncertain.

The already precarious future of boxing in the Olympics has been further endangered after the sport's Asian governing body voted against leaving the suspended International Boxing Association (IBA) to join the rival World Boxing (WB).

A secret ballot conducted on Saturday revealed 21 countries favored staying with IBA, while 14 supported joining WB, a new body seeking recognition from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). India participated as an observer.

Despite the setbacks, the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) remains optimistic about WB's growth. BFI President Ajay Singh noted that efforts are ongoing to reach the 50-member requirement for IOC recognition by year's end.

(With inputs from agencies.)