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Boxing India (BI) on Thursday refuted allegations that junior women pugilists were subjected to pregnancy tests ahead of the upcoming World Championships, stating that only the eligible senior girls went through the tests as required by the International Boxing Association (AIBA).
Amid reports that girls were subjected to these tests in violation of rules, BI, which is yet to get recognition from the Sports Ministry and IOA, today stated that the AIBA invitation for the Championships, later this month, clearly asks for a "non pregnancy form issued by a medical doctor" from all participating boxers.
"...the invitation clearly states that all boxers must carry 'non pregnancy form issued by a medical doctor' to Jeju for the general weigh-in. Indian team boxers, through the team coaches and the chief coach requested in writing to Boxing India to facilitate in guiding them and organising to get this test done through Sports Authority of India or any SAI doctor," he said.
"A few media reports have published that pregnancy tests were conducted on junior girls. We would like to reinstate that such reports are baseless, misleading and are misrepresentation of the facts. The minimum age requirement for the AIBA Women's World Boxing Championships Jeju 2014 is 19 years and the youngest girl participating in this camp is 1994 born.
"Since no junior girl has been inducted in this camp, the question of conducting pregnancy test on junior girls doesn't arise at all," it added.
BI president Sandeep Jajodia insisted that the body has stuck to rules in carrying out the procedure.
"Boxing India in the best interest of the boxers will always ensure that the guidelines prescribed by AIBA are followed by the Indian contingent," he said.
"Any violation in them could lead to disqualification and it is Boxing India's responsibility to ensure the safety of all our boxers. Also, these rules of AIBA are not only applicable to India but to all participating AIBA National Member Federations across the globe," he added.
Image: India boxer MC Mary Kom (Picture used for representation purpose only)
Photograph: Uttam Ghosh