Non-selection for world event: HC seeks BFI's reply on boxer's plea

One-liner: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought a reply from the Boxer Federation of India (BFI) on a plea by national champion Arundhati Choudhary against not being considered for the upcoming Women's World Boxing Championship in Turkey.

Notice to BFI: The high court issued notice to the BFI and Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on the petition by the 19-year-old boxer who said that Olympic bronze-winner Lovlina Borgohain has been selected without a trial.

• Justice Rekha Palli granted liberty to Choudhary, who is also the reigning youth world champion, to implead Borgohain in the matter, saying the court can't examine the petitioner's contention or pass any order at the latter's back
• During the hearing, advocates appearing for the BFI informed the court that Choudhary has already been registered for the event as a reserved boxer in the 70 kg category

Only one entry: The counsel said there could be only one entry in each category and if she is aggrieved by the selection of Borgohain, she ought to have impleaded her as a party respondent.

No interim relief: Taking BFI's statement on record, the court said it was not inclined to grant any interim relief in the matter.

Need to know: As an interim measure, Choudhary sought that the ministry and BFI be restrained from taking any detrimental action against her by denying the opportunity for her representation in the World Women Boxing Championship 2021 to be held in Istanbul, Turkey.

Postponed: The world championship, which was scheduled from Dec 4 to 18 in Istanbul, is set to be postponed till March next year due to the surging Covid cases in Turkey.

• The court listed the matter for further hearing on Nov 22