SAI to recommend digital scoreboards, fresh empanelment of coaches to BFI

PATIALA: The Sports Authority of India (SAI) kept a close watch on the boxing trials, which concluded on Friday at the NS NIS complex here, amid an ongoing standoff with the national federation – BFI – over its controversial selection policies and assessment procedures for the CWG and Asian Games.A team of SAI observers monitored the trials, held from May 13 to 15, and recorded detailed observations related to the conduct of bouts, evaluation methods and administrative functioning. Despite the tense backdrop, the trials concluded smoothly without any allegations of biased refereeing or unfair decisions, as both SAI and BFI attempted to streamline the selection process going forward.According to sources, SAI is expected to recommend several reforms aimed at improving transparency and reducing charges of favouritism within the national boxing setup. One of the key suggestions is the installation of digital scoreboards displaying round-wise scores during selection bouts – a demand repeatedly raised by boxers.SAI is also likely to advise the BFI to broaden coaching appointments beyond Army and Services personnel after observing that nearly 90 percent of the support staff currently attached to the Patiala national camp come from Army backgrounds. Officials reportedly believe such a structure creates perceptions of bias towards certain athletes.While the current coaching setup is expected to continue until the CWG and Asiad to avoid disrupting preparations, a fresh coaching panel from across the country could be appointed ahead of the next Olympic qualification cycle and national championships, it’s been learnt. The BFI had been served show cause notice by the sports ministry over its contentious selection process, to which the federation has to reply within one week.