President of the International Boxing Association (IBA) Umar Kremlev on the air of the program “There is a theme!” on said that performing at international tournaments without a flag or anthem is a humiliation for an athlete.
Previously, the IBA allowed boxers from Russia and Belarus to participate in international competitions. Athletes have competed under national flags at the Women’s and Men’s World Championships.
– Two world championships were held, men’s and women’s, with Russian flags and anthems, was it difficult for you to get through?
– The most important thing is that later you should not be ashamed of management. The most important thing is to create conditions and protect the athletes. Without a flag and an anthem – the humiliation of an athlete. Medals and prizes are secondary. Every sports manager must understand that he serves the sport, he does not own it. In international sports structures, everyone should be peacekeepers. That’s what sport is for.
Now some officials are afraid of something, they are protecting their wealth. I was under pressure to leave or not. For me, the authority is my boxing family. Almost all members supported me, only 8 abstained. We want every athlete to compete under their own flag and anthem. Or it makes no sense to participate.
The dog barks – the caravan moves forward. My task is to protect the athletes in all situations. And whoever says something is different,” Kremlev said on .
Earlier, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) extended the suspension of the IBA. The boxing tournament at the 2024 Games in Paris, as well as at the Tokyo Olympics, will be organized by the IOC. At the same time, boxing is currently not on the program for the 2028 Olympics.
Source : MatchTV
I am Ashley Ortiz and I am a professional journalist working for Athletistic. My specialty is in sports journalism, particularly boxing. I have written articles for some of the most renowned publications on the subject, and my work has been featured across both print and digital media platforms.
