In yet another milestone moment for boxing, India has been named as the host country for the 2023 IBA Women’s World Boxing Championship.
The announcement was made on Wednesday at a press conference in New Delhi where the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the International Boxing Association (IBA) and the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) in the presence of IBA President Umar Kremlev and BFI President Ajay Singh. Reigning world champion Nikhat Zareen was also present on the occasion. Interestingly, it’s President Kremlev’s maiden visit to India. Ever since taking over the office in 2020, Kremlev has been playing a vital role in developing the sport across the globe.
“This is my first visit and it is been fantastic so far. India is very passionate about boxing and conducting the World Championship here will be the perfect opportunity to celebrate the innumerable victories as well as inspire many more women to take up the sport and popularise the game more than ever. BFI has worked effortlessly to develop boxing in India and the region and I’m sure they will stage an event to remember,” said IBA President Umar Kremlev in an official statement released by BFI.
BFI & IBA will be working to introduce a historic bout review system at the Championships. The event will see a total prize pool of approximately INR 19.50 crore ($2.4 million) and the gold medallists will be awarded with approximately INR 81 lakh ($100,000).
Boxing in India has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years. India has been regularly finishing amongst the top 5 countries in recent global and multi-event competitions like the World Championships, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.