BFI ignores SAI warning, insists head coach’s role in selection trials ‘inevitable’

New Delhi: The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) on Wednesday continued with the first phase of the evaluation test process despite objections from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and claimed that inclusion of head coaches in the selection panel remains “necessary and inevitable”.“Push boundaries with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!The assessment test (selection test) is aimed at selecting the Indian boxing squad for the upcoming CWG to be held in Glasgow Asian Games In Japan, a series of rigorous strength and conditioning assessments are first conducted at NS NIS Patiala. Elite boxers of both sexes underwent tests such as the Counter Kinetic Jump (CMJ), Mine Throw Test, 30 Second Watt Cycle Test and Intermittent Fitness Test (IFT) to assess their physical readiness.

These grueling training sessions, held in the morning and evening, are designed to prepare the athletes for the decisive knockout rounds from May 11 to 15, after which the final squad will be announced.A day earlier, the SAI expressed concerns over the BFI’s selection criteria and assessment framework, warning that the process could be declared “invalid” if key details are not provided. On Wednesday, the Football Association issued a detailed response, clarifying the evaluation timetable, evaluation mechanism and the structure of the national training camp. TOI has a copy of the email sent by BFI to SAI’s TOPS department.The BFI maintains that it fully complies with the selection guidelines issued by the Ministry of Sports on March 5, 2025. The federation outlined that its High Performance Unit (HPU) includes foreign coach Santiago Neiva, head coach CA Kuttapa and four internationally certified referees. It also clarified that sports science staff will have no role in the final assessment phase.The BFI said the selection committee will comprise chairman Ajay Singh, general secretary Pramod Kumar, coaches Neiva and Kuttappa and athletes of excellence (SOM) Rajender Prasad and V Devarajan. The federation stressed that including a head coach ensures “informed and performance-based decisions are made”.However, sources said SAI remains concerned about possible bias if camp coaches evaluate athletes they have previously trained or selected. “The process must withstand challenges from athletes, courts and watchdogs,” one source said, adding that flaws in the framework could spark future disputes.