Setback for Boxer as Punjab & Haryana HC Rejects Plea to hold Asian Games Selection Trials

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has recently dismissed the plea moved by 3 boxers, including world championships silver medallist Amit Panghal, stating that conducting trials now is not possible as the Asian Games are starting this week.

The Asian Games will commence in Hangzhou on September 23.

Panghal (51kg), National Champion Rohit Mor (57kg) and Commonwealth Games silver medallist Sagar Ahlawat (+92kg) moved the high court against the Boxing Federation of India after they were left out of the Indian squad for the Asian Games in July.

Furthermore, they questioned BFI’s evaluation process for the selection of the Asian Games squad, demanding that trials be held in their weight categories.

Haryana-based sports activist Jaipal Dhankhar, who is a fellow petitioner, “The court rejected the petition to hold trials as there is hardly any time left. The Asian Games are starting on September 23.”

He added, “The detailed judgment is expected to come in a day or two.”

According to BFI’s new selection policy, which has been in place since this year, boxers undergo an evaluation process for the period of 3 weeks where they are judged on various parameters.

Deepak Bhoria (51kg), Sachin Siwach (57kg) and Narender Berwal (+92kg) have been selected for the Games ahead of Panghal, Mor and Ahlawat, respectively. The boxing events begin on Sunday.