This weekend, on the sideline of the Women’s World Championships in Istanbul, Turkey, Russian Umar Kremlev, the only running candidate, was re -elected as president of the International Boxing Association (IBA).
Until recently, he had an opponent, Boris van der Vorst, who strongly condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He even formed a coalition in this direction. This Dutchman notably questioned the ties between his federation and Russia’s gas giant Gazprom. In this context, IBA was convicted of not accepting his candidacy.
The re -election of Umar Kremlev is intended to once again raise the ire of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). One of its spokespersons told Agence France-Presse: Various IOC concerns, including financial reliance on state-owned Gazprom, remain unresolved. The events surrounding the IBA General Assembly, particularly the elections, deserve careful scrutiny and only reinforce the questions and doubts surrounding the management of the IBA.
The IOC sees this as a violation and suggests that IBAs do their homework as a good student if it wants to stay in Olympic school. The organization is now under the supervision of the IOC, which has taken over the organization of the last two Olympic tournaments.
Since the invasion of Ukraine, the IOC and most international sports federations have taken an unprecedented step by violating the principle of political neutrality by banning Russian and Belarusian athletes, coaches and officials. in all competitions.
me now coach [de l’équipe féminine de Corée du Sud, NDLR] and politics, I was just a little bit touched by the problems that Boxing Canada is going throughlaughed Radio-Canada Sports Ariane Fortin, former world champion and Olympic athlete.
But all I can say is that things have changed lately. IBA provides significant scholarships during the contests and we are approaching gender equality. The fact that scholarships are important and above all satisfying to everyone is probably a message that IBA is sending to the IOC, that it can manage without the Olympic world.
The one who is also president of Boxe Quebec refers all the same that it is not a new situation to threaten Olympic boxing with loss.
Since my Olympic Games in 2016, I have always heard this threat. Honestly, that would be a big step back. We worked hard to be accepted as an Olympics sport. But I doubt the IOC will make that decision. I repeat, it would be a setback, especially for us women.
Meanwhile in Lausanne, we are preparing a possible response to the future Olympic of boxing. The IOC Executive Board meets on Thursday and Friday and the topic is on the agenda.
For now, boxing is still on the program for the Paris Games in 2024, but is in question for those in Los Angeles in 2028. Boxing appeared in 1904 at the Saint Louis Games.
After more than 100 years, is it in danger of disappearing? The answer may come this week.
Source: Radio-Canada
