World Boxing Welcomes New Members to Bolster Olympic Aspirations
World Boxing has welcomed four new member countries—Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Guatemala, and Laos—bringing its total membership to 55. This milestone was announced during the organization’s second annual Congress in November 2023, which took place after the U19 World Boxing Championships. The expanding membership underscores World Boxing’s commitment to becoming the IOC-recognized governing body for the sport.
World Boxing has recently expanded its membership by welcoming national federations from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Guatemala, and Laos, bringing the total number of member countries to 55. This announcement was made during World Boxing’s second annual Congress held on November 3 in Pueblo, Colorado, which coincided with the conclusion of the U19 World Boxing Championships. Notably, Uzbekistan achieved remarkable success at the Olympic Summer Games in Paris by securing five of the 13 available gold medals this year. “On the date of our second Congress, it is fantastic that World Boxing is able to welcome four new countries whom I am sure will all play an important role in our mission to ensure that boxing remains at the heart of the Olympic Movement,” stated Boris van der Vorst, the president of World Boxing. The inclusion of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan has increased the federation’s Asian membership to 13 countries. During the Congress, representatives from 43 member countries participated either in person or virtually. Mr. van der Vorst emphasized the growing momentum within international boxing: “Only last week we announced seven new members to take World Boxing past the milestone of 50 countries. To be able to announce four more members — including two major powers in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan — so soon after this is a sign of the growing momentum shift in international boxing.” Founded in April 2023, World Boxing held its inaugural formal meeting with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on May 7, 2024, following the IOC’s decision to replace the Russian-led International Boxing Association, which was removed from the Olympic movement last year. The IOC has set a target of early 2025 to collaborate with a new governing body. It has also cautioned boxing federations that maintain allegiance to the IBA, under the leadership of Umar Kremlev, will be deprived of funding and connection with their respective national Olympic committees. “It is clear that there has been a change in impetus and that more national federations want to join World Boxing as they recognize it is the only way to keep the Olympic dreams of their boxers alive,” Mr. van der Vorst concluded.
The context of this article revolves around World Boxing’s bid to establish itself as the recognized international federation for boxing within the Olympic Movement. Following the disbandment of the Russian-led International Boxing Association, World Boxing is gaining traction and membership from various countries. The inclusion of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, both influential boxing nations, signifies a shift in the landscape of international boxing governance. The organization’s focus on aligning with the IOC and expanding its member base is crucial in preserving Olympic boxing for its athletes.
In conclusion, World Boxing’s acceptance of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Guatemala, and Laos into its membership exemplifies the organization’s commitment to revitalizing the sport on an international scale. With a growing membership of 55 countries, World Boxing aims to secure its status as the governing body recognized by the IOC, thereby ensuring that boxing’s future in the Olympics remains solidified. The momentum witnessed in recent months underscores a significant shift as national federations seek affiliation with World Boxing to protect their athletes’ Olympic aspirations.
Original Source: www.sportstravelmagazine.com
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