New Delhi: In a surprise move that has raised questions over the finality of India’s Asian Games boxing selection, the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) conducted fresh trials at NIS Patiala on Aug 17, weeks after announcing its squad for the Aichi-Nagoya Games.TOI has exclusively learnt that the federation held one-off selection bouts in three categories — men’s 70kg and 90kg, and women’s 65kg — pitting the boxers originally selected for the Asiad against their respective reserves.The move comes despite the BFI’s May 13-15 selection trials at NIS, where the squad for both the Glasgow Commonwealth Games and Asiad was finalised. It was understood then that the team would remain unchanged, and the selected boxers subsequently travelled to the CWG.However, following recommendations from the high-performance unit, support staff and selection committee, the BFI reopened the three categories. The biggest casualty was 70kg boxer Sumit Kundu, who had been part of the announced Asiad squad. Sumit lost his bout to reserve Deepak Punia and was consequently relegated to reserve, with Punia taking the Games berth.The minutes of the Aug 17 trials, accessed by TOI, state: “The boxer who wins the selection trials and secures Rank 1 in the trial shall be selected to represent the country at the Asian Games 2026.” They further specify that the Rank 2 boxer would be retained as reserve.The minutes, however, carried a caveat: “If the sports ministry and IOA do not accept the revised entries, the boxers who represented India at the CWG in these categories will retain their Asian Games places.”In the other two categories, the original selections survived. Kapil Pokhariya beat reserve Harsh Choudhary in the 90kg bout, while Parveen Hooda defeated Saneh in the women’s 65kg category.BFI sources said the fresh assessment was necessitated after the three boxers failed to win medals at the CWG. Sumit lost in the pre-quarters, while Kapil and Parveen bowed out in the quarters. Sources added the federation’s view was to maximise India’s medal prospects by sending the best boxers.Sumit is expected to travel as a reserve for the pre-Games training camp, though a recent injury means he may focus on recovery. He is also considering a move to men’s 80kg to avoid repeated weight cuts, with next year’s Olympic qualification cycle in mind.
