Evaluation test faces scrutiny as boxers gear up for crucial trials

NEW DELHI: With the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) outlining its selection criteria for upcoming international events, several boxers set to compete in the trials at NIS Patiala (May 11-15) have quietly approached the Sports Authority of India (SAI), raising concerns over the federation’s evaluation system.At the centre of the discontent is the ‘assessment test’ format, where bout results are not declared immediately. Instead, performances are reviewed later by a BFI-appointed selection committee — a process that has left many athletes uneasy. Boxers have long pushed for open judging, where winners are announced at the end of each bout.The trials will determine India’s squads for major events, including the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, World Boxing Cup 2, and other international competitions until the next evaluation cycle.Sources within SAI confirmed that complaints have been received regarding ad-hoc selections, the conduct of competition, and the broader assessment policy. “We have taken cognisance of these concerns and are closely monitoring the trials at NIS Patiala,” an official said, adding that outcomes will be reviewed before any further action is taken.The BFI’s selection process is split into two phases. The first, scheduled for May 5 and 6, focuses on fitness parameters such as strength and endurance. The second phase, from May 11-15, will feature knockout bouts, with combined rankings from both phases determining selections.Meanwhile, finalists from the recent Asian Championships in Olympic weight categories have been exempted from the trials.