NEW DELHI: India has been named as the host country for the 2023 IBA Women’s World Boxing Championship.
The announcement, which was made on Wednesday at a press conference here, where the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the International Boxing Association (IBA) and the Boxing Federation of India (BFI), comes two years after the country was stripped of hosting rights of men's event for not paying the requisite fee to the global governing body.
BFI & IBA will be working to introduce a historic bout review system at the championships. The event will see a total prize pool of approximately Rs 19.50 crore ($2.4m) and the Gold medallists will be awarded with approximately Rs 81 lakh ($100,000).
India has never hosted the men's world championship but it will be the third Women’s World Championships to be held in the country and the second one within a span of six years. Since the inception of the Championships in 2001, the prestigious biennial event took place twice in India - in 2006 and 2018, both times in New Delhi. India also hosted the Women’s Youth World Championships in 2017.
“We are delighted that New Delhi has been named as the host for the World Championships 2023. Hosting three major championships in a span of seven years showcases India’s ability to build infrastructure and capabilities. This is also a reflection of the trust and importance of India in the world of boxing. A tournament of this stature also helps empower women in India giving them the belief to take up sport too,” said BFI President Ajay Singh.
“We also welcome IBA president Mr Umar Kremlev to India. In a short span of time, he has been able to bring in a new level of dynamism to the sport. IBA and BFI share the same goals of taking boxing to the next level and we are really looking forward to work together.”
Kremlev commented: “This is my first visit and it is been fantastic so far. India is very passionate about boxing and conducting the World Championship here will be the perfect opportunity to celebrate the innumerable victories as well as inspire many more women to take up the sport and popularise the game more than ever. BFI has worked effortlessly to develop boxing in India and the region and I’m sure they will stage an event to remember.”
With reigning world champion Nikhat Zareen finishing on top of the podium in the last edition earlier this year in Turkey, Indian women have clinched 39 medals, including 10 Golds, in the 12 championships played so far.
“I’m super excited and really looking forward to playing in front of the home crowds. Hosting an event of this stature is hugely prestigious and always inspires millions of young girls to take up the sport. The countdown has already begun and I am looking forward to defending my title here in New Delhi,” the reigning World Champion Zareen expressed her joy.
Zareen, who was also present on the occasion, said: “I’m super excited and really looking forward to playing in front of the home crowds. Hosting an event of this stature is hugely prestigious and always inspires millions of young girls to take up the sport. The countdown has already begun and I am looking forward to defending my title here in New Delhi.”
With Zareen finishing on top of the podium in the last edition earlier this year in Turkey, Indian women have clinched 39 medals, including 10 golds, in the 12 championships played so far.
When the country hosted the tournament last time in 2018 in New Delhi, Indian women claimed four medals.
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