Indian Amateur Boxing Federation (IABF) Receives International Recognition
International Boxing Association (IBA) Grants Full Membership; Historic Decision:Kris Roberts (CEO)
New Delhi / Lausanne:
In a historic milestone for Indian boxing, the Indian Amateur Boxing Federation (IABF) has been granted full membership of the International Boxing Association (IBA). The landmark decision was taken during the IBA Board Meeting held on February 6, 2026, and was formally communicated through an official letter issued from Lausanne, Switzerland, on February 9, 2026.
Congratulating IABF on this significant achievement, IBA President Mr. Umar Kremlev addressed a letter to Dr. Rakesh Mishra, President of IABF, appreciating the federation’s commitment to the sport of boxing, its transparent governance, and its adherence to international standards. These factors, he stated, were instrumental in granting IABF full membership.
“Welcome to the IBA Family”: Umar Kremlev
Welcoming IABF into the global boxing fraternity, Mr. Kremlev expressed confidence that the federation’s active participation would contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of boxing worldwide. He emphasized that India’s inclusion would bring new energy and direction to the global boxing movement.
Formal Invitation to Participate in International Competitions:Umar Kremlev
With full membership status, IABF has now been formally invited to participate in upcoming international tournaments and events organized under the aegis of IBA. The association expressed hope that the participation of Indian boxers would further strengthen the global boxing community and pave the way for long-term, constructive cooperation between the two organizations.
A Golden Opportunity for Indian Boxing : Dr. Rakesh Mishra
Reacting to the development, Dr. Rakesh Mishra described the recognition as a golden opportunity for Indian boxing. He stated that full IBA membership would provide Indian boxers with enhanced access to international competitions, advanced training methodologies, technical support, and invaluable global exposure.
Leadership of Dr. Rakesh Mishra Widely Acknowledged
Sports experts and observers have attributed this achievement to the visionary leadership, strategic planning, and dedicated efforts of Dr. Rakesh Mishra. They believe that this recognition will serve as a turning point, elevating Indian boxing to new heights on the international stage.
New Chapter in Indian Boxing History:Dr. Rakesh Mishra
On this occasion, Dr. Mishra remarked that the IBA membership marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Indian boxing. IABF Secretary General Mr. Rakesh Thakran expressed gratitude to the IBA Board and member nations and emphasized that the recognition aligns with the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to provide Indian athletes with greater opportunities at the Olympic level.
He further stated that IABF would now focus on grassroots talent identification and structured training programs to prepare competitive boxers for upcoming Olympic Games. This membership, he added, also presents an important opportunity to address and improve the challenges Indian boxing has faced in recent years.
Collective Effort Acknowledged: Rakesh Thakran
Congratulating all state-level boxing associations across the country, Mr. Rakesh Thakran emphasized that this success is the result of collective efforts. He called upon all stakeholders—players, coaches, referees, technical officials, and administrators—to actively contribute to this new era of Indian boxing. He also highlighted the importance of working under the guidance of Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, to ensure holistic development and stronger international representation for Indian boxers, particularly at the Olympic Games.
