Is Indian boxing federation chairman Chautala on his way out?

Indian Amateur Boxing Federation's (IABF) Chairman, Abhay Singh Chautala, could be on his way out as the IABF has decided to remove the nominated post from its amended constitution sent to AIBA for approval.

Chautala was nominated Chairman of the IABF in its September elections after completing three terms as President, while his brother-in-law and Rajasthan BJP MLA Abhishek Matoria, 29, surprisingly became the President despite not being in the reckoning.

“In the draft constitution that has been sent for AIBA's approval, the post of the Chairman has been removed. We are trying to have a meeting with International Boxing Association (AIBA) officials,” an IABF source said.

“Once the constitution is approved, the process would be streamlined,” he said.

If the post is removed from the Constitution, Chautala, who is also the Chairman of the suspended IOA, will be out of the IABF set-up.

The AIBA provisionally suspended the IABF in December last year citing the International Olympic Committee's suspension of the Indian Olympic Association and “possible manipulation in its elections”.

But the IABF insists re-election can be avoided if it manages to convince AIBA that the September polls were free and fair.

“We are open to re-election but if we convince them that the September elections were fair, it would not be necessary. Re-election is needed only if it is proved beyond doubt that there was manipulation,” the source said.

“This suspension is hurting us badly now because the boxers are right now aimless. We are trying to do everything in our capacity to convince AIBA,” the source said.

The IABF will adopt a similar approach to get the suspension imposed by the Sports Ministry revoked.

“It's the same thing. If we manage to convince the Ministry then we don't have to hold re-elections.”

The world body had, initially, allowed the boxers and coaches to compete in international events but that concession was taken back last month.

“If the AIBA insists on re-elections, it would take a while before everything is resolved. We are trying to establish a channel of communication so that they can be convinced about last year's elections,” the source said.

In the new draft constitution prepared by the IABF, rules and provisions of the AIBA Professional Boxing and the World Series of Boxing have also been incorporated, as suggested by the world body.

“Getting the constitution approved should not be a problem because it follows the AIBA statute completely,” said the official.