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.”
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 https://t.co/GqIBdtWRMp
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) October 18, 2019