The Rajasthan boxer had requested a trial against Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain in the 70kg which was denied by BFI.

The federation had given Lovlina an automatic berth in the weight category after her medal-winning performance in Tokyo. The Assamese boxer skipped the senior nationals last month, where Arundhati Choudhary clinched the title in 70kg division.

BFI had announced that gold medallists in all weight categories except Lovlina’s bracket will represent India at the world championships. Arundhati Choudhary, however, claimed that BFI president Ajay Singh assured her of a trial if she wins a gold medal in Hisar.

The reigning youth world champion contends that by virtue of winning the national title, she should be given a shot to challenge Lovlina.

On November 4, Arundhati Choudhary had written to BFI president Ajay Singh asking for a trial in the 70kg bracket. She argued that the Olympic medallist has been out of practice since the Tokyo Games, and that she deserves a “fair chance” to prove her mettle.

She claimed that the BFI president and general secretary were not even responding to her messages and calls despite multiple attempts.

Arundhati Choudhary gets Mary Kom’s support

Veteran pugilist MC Mary Kom has extended her support to Arundhati Choudhary. She tried talking to BFI to convince them to give the Kota-based boxer a chance. However, BFI claimed that the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and Sports Ministry are not giving permission for it.

Arundhati Choudhary, who has already been dubbed one of the upcoming boxers, was amongst the few pugilists who were part of the exposure camps before the Olympics. She was also Lovlina’s sparring partner in Italy, and claimed she had beaten the Assam wrestler a few times during training..

In her letter to Ajay Singh, Arundhati Choudhary wrote that Mary Kom, a six-time world champion, was also asked to take a selection trial before the Olympic qualifiers. She was challenged by Nikhat Zareen, who had sought a trial in the 51kg weight category.

Mary Kom defeated the Hyderabad boxer in a charged-up atmosphere

It remains to be seen what the resolution will be for this issue.

0 votes