Neeraj Phogat and Jyoti Gulia Challenge Indian Boxing Team Selection

The selection process for the Indian Boxing Team heading to the Asian Championship has faced serious allegations of favoritism and manipulation. Boxers Neeraj Phogat and Jyoti Gulia have publicly expressed their grievances, claiming that the evaluation process was flawed and biased. The championship is scheduled to take place from March 28 to April 11, 2026, in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

Both athletes missed the opportunity to join the team due to a month-long evaluation test conducted by the Boxing Federation of India (BFI). Instead of holding open trials, the BFI opted for a performance-based assessment where coaches and federation officials had the final decision on selections. Gulia, who ranked third in the 51 kg category, and Phogat, who did not rank in the 65 kg section, have cited these circumstances as indicative of an unfair selection process.

In a letter addressed to the Sports Authority of India (SAI), Phogat explicitly requested an impartial inquiry into the selection process. He raised concerns about the apparent favoritism shown towards certain boxers, particularly those from the Services team. Phogat stated, “While certain procedures may appear compliant with BFI guidelines on paper, in practice, there is evident favoritism and manipulation.” He urged the SAI to establish a high-level independent committee to investigate the irregularities and reinstate open trials for future selections.

Gulia has also voiced her concerns regarding the assessment process. In her communication with N.S. Johal, the CEO of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), she highlighted discrepancies in her ranking. Gulia emphasized that during the competition trials, she had convincingly outperformed her opponents by a margin of approximately 15 to 20 points, as evidenced by official video recordings. Despite her strong performance, she was assigned a rank that she believes does not reflect her abilities.

“This outcome has caused me serious concern,” Gulia noted, calling for a thorough review of her trial videos and assessment scores to ensure fairness in the evaluation criteria applied to her case.

The ongoing controversy surrounding the selection process raises essential questions about transparency and fairness in sports governance in India. As the Asian Championship approaches, the calls for reform within the BFI grow louder, with athletes demanding a more equitable system that prioritizes merit over favoritism.

With the eyes of the boxing community focused on Ulaanbaatar, the BFI faces pressure to address these allegations and restore confidence among its athletes. The outcomes of both Phogat’s and Gulia’s appeals could have significant implications for future selections and the overall integrity of the sport in India.