Kiren Rijiju
Union sports minister Kiren Rijiju. Image credit: Twitter

Union sports minister Kiren Rijiju on Friday responded to former junior world champion boxer Nikhat Zareen’s request for a trial bout against six-time world champion Mary Kom.

Zareen on Thursday tweeted requesting a trial bout against MC Mary Kom for selection of India’s squad for 2020 Tokyo Olympic qualifiers.

ALS READ: Former world junior champion challenges Mary Kom for a trial bout

Kiren Rijiju, however, said the sports Ministry is not entitled to intervene in selection matters of any national federation, however, e will convey the Nikhat Zareen’s message to the Boxing Federation of India (BFI).

In a tweet, the sports minister said, “I’ll surely convey to Boxing Federation to take the best decision keeping in mind the best interest of the nation, sports & athletes. Although, Minister should not be involved in the selection of the players by the Sports Federations which are autonomous as per Olympic charter.”