UAE Plans To Join World Boxing Following IOC Approval

The UAE Boxing Federation is set to apply for membership in "World Boxing" after securing approval from the National Olympic Committee and the Ministry of Sports. This decision aligns with the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) proposal to include boxing in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, which will be discussed at the IOC session in Costa Navarino, Greece, from 19-21 March 2025.

Boxing's inclusion in the LA28 Olympics follows "World Boxing's" temporary recognition in February as the new governing body for boxing competitions. This change came after the International Boxing Association (IBA) was banned by the IOC in 2019 due to governance issues. The UAE Boxing Federation has been proactive in supporting this new international organisation.

Hassan Al Hammadi, Secretary-General of the UAE Boxing Federation, shared with Emirates News Agency (WAM) that their federation was among the first from Arab and Asian regions to back "World Boxing." He stated, "We have obtained official approvals, and the membership application will be submitted before the end of this week in preparation for joining World Boxing."

"World Boxing," established on 13 April 2023, oversees amateur boxing worldwide and includes 78 member federations. It emerged due to ongoing governance challenges within IBA, leading to its suspension and eventual expulsion from IOC recognition. The UAE aims to strengthen its presence in international sports through this membership.

Al Hammadi emphasised that the UAE Boxing Federation is committed to enhancing its role in global sports organisations. He added, "The Boxing Federation is always striving to enhance the presence of the UAE in various international sports organisations and to participate in global events, including the Olympic Games, in accordance with the required rankings and standards, to fulfill every athlete’s dream of representing their country with pride."

Boxing events at Paris 2024 were managed by IOC after IBA lost recognition due to governance failures. The UAE's move towards joining "World Boxing" reflects its dedication to maintaining high standards and ensuring athletes can compete internationally under reputable oversight.

With inputs from WAM