Urgent Decision Faces Irish Boxing on Olympic Inclusion for LA28
The IOC has proposed boxing for inclusion in the LA28 Olympics after earlier exclusions due to governance issues. World Boxing is now recognized as the International Federation for the sport. Ireland faces an urgent decision regarding affiliation with World Boxing to ensure its athletes can compete. Following a rejected vote, the IABA’s timely action is crucial for qualification eligibility.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board has proposed the inclusion of boxing for the upcoming LA28 Olympics during its session in Greece. This decision comes after boxing was initially excluded due to governance issues with the International Boxing Association (IBA). Following a recommendation from the Olympic Programme Commission, World Boxing received provisional recognition as the International Federation for the sport within the Olympic Movement.
To safeguard athlete participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics, the boxing competition and qualifying tournaments were managed by the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit, an ad hoc task force created by the IOC. This initiative was implemented to ensure a transparent and fair qualification process for all boxers.
At Paris 2024, the boxing events featured 68 National Olympic Committees (NOCs), with the IOC Refugee Olympic Team, marking the highest participation ratio for any sport at those Games. Ireland participated successfully, with Kellie Harrington securing her second Gold Medal.
Currently, Ireland is not affiliated with World Boxing but remains connected to the IBA. A recent motion to affiliate with World Boxing was rejected by the Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) at the 2023 AGM. Should the IOC approve the affiliation this week, World Boxing will initiate the qualification process. Without IABA’s agreement by that time, Irish boxers will be ineligible for the LA Games.
Decisions regarding Ireland’s boxing allegiance are now pressing, focusing on whether to remain with the IBA or shift to World Boxing. Previously, the vote was narrowly defeated by five votes, highlighting the urgency as time progresses toward qualification. Prompt communication and decision-making will be essential for the future of Irish boxing and its athletes.
In summary, the urgency surrounding Irish boxing’s affiliation decision is heightened by the upcoming LA28 Olympic Games. The IOC’s endorsement of boxing and the clarification of qualifying pathways emphasize the critical need for the Irish Athletic Boxing Association to act swiftly. The choice between remaining with the IBA or aligning with World Boxing will determine athlete eligibility, underscoring the importance of decisive leadership at this crossroads.
Original Source: sportforbusiness.com
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