Manoj Kumar questions BFI's new assessment system, seeks former boxers in monitoring
Synopsis
Manoj Kumar's challenge to the BFI's new assessment system exposes a credibility gap: the federation reset all prior scores and introduced a sparring-based methodology, but excluded decorated former boxers from oversight. With selection happening in three days, the question is whether a closed-door process can restore trust after years of controversy.
Key Takeaways
Manoj Kumar , Commonwealth Games gold medallist, questioned the BFI's new athlete assessment system on 13 May .
The BFI excluded Arjuna Awardees , Dronacharya Awardees , and Olympians from the monitoring and selection process.
The revised system uses a 5-judge scoring panel for sparring bouts, with scores announced immediately after each bout.
All prior strength and conditioning test scores have been declared null and void .
Assessment will take place from 13 to 15 May at NS NIS Patiala for selection to the 2026 Commonwealth Games and Asian Games .
Manoj Kumar called for the inclusion of Vijender Singh and Akhil Kumar as monitors to strengthen player trust.
Former Commonwealth Games gold medallist Manoj Kumar on 13 May challenged the transparency of the Boxing Federation of India's (BFI) revised athlete assessment system for selecting boxers for the 2026 Commonwealth Games and Asian Games 2026. The criticism centres on the exclusion of former players, Arjuna Awardees, Dronacharya Awardees, and Olympians from the monitoring and selection process.
The core complaint
Manoj Kumar flagged that the selection process has been restricted to the head coach, judges, and the federation itself. In his statement, he questioned why experienced former boxers were not included as observers or selection monitors. He specifically cited Olympic bronze medallist Vijender Singh and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Akhil Kumar as names whose presence could have strengthened player confidence in the process.
What the BFI's new system entails
The federation announced a revised assessment methodology for elite national campers at NS NIS Patiala from 13 to 15 May. Under the new framework, assessment will use a 5-judge scoring system — comprising one head coach and four judges — for all sparring bouts. Scores will be announced immediately after each bout, mirroring procedures used in official boxing competitions. The marking system applied previously has been scrapped, and earlier strength and conditioning test scores have been declared null and void.
Why the overhaul matters
The BFI's decision to reset prior assessments and introduce a sparring-based evaluation represents a significant structural shift from its previous methodology. BFI Secretary Pramod Kumar stated that the revised system prioritises fairness and transparency. However, the compressed three-day window and the absence of independent oversight from decorated former boxers have raised concerns among stakeholders about whether the new process adequately addresses credibility gaps that plagued earlier rounds.
The transparency debate
Manoj Kumar argued that including respected former champions as monitors would have bolstered player trust. The exclusion of such voices — particularly given past controversies in boxing selection — suggests the federation may have missed an opportunity to build consensus among the athlete community. This is the second major selection row in Indian boxing in as many years.
What happens next
Boxers will undergo sparring-based assessment from 13 to 15 May, with final selections announced thereafter. The BFI has not yet responded to Manoj Kumar's specific concerns about observer inclusion. Selection outcomes will directly determine India's boxing squad for both the 2026 Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.
Point of View
While excluding former champions from oversight, reads less as reform and more as damage control. If the federation genuinely wanted to rebuild trust after past controversies, it would have invited independent voices — not cordoned off the process. The irony is stark: a new system meant to improve fairness that excludes the very people best positioned to vouch for it.
NationPress
28 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Manoj Kumar criticise the BFI's new assessment system?
Manoj Kumar questioned the exclusion of former players, Arjuna Awardees, Dronacharya Awardees, and Olympians from the monitoring and selection process. He argued that the presence of respected figures like Vijender Singh and Akhil Kumar would have strengthened player trust in the fairness and transparency of the selection.
What is the BFI's new assessment methodology?
The BFI introduced a 5-judge scoring system comprising one head coach and four judges for all sparring bouts. Scores are announced immediately after each bout, and the previous marking system has been scrapped. All prior strength and conditioning test scores have been declared null and void.
When will the new assessment take place?
The revised assessment will occur from 13 to 15 May at NS NIS Patiala for elite national campers. Selection outcomes for the 2026 Commonwealth Games and Asian Games will be determined based on sparring performance during this period.
Who specifically did Manoj Kumar mention as potential monitors?
Manoj Kumar cited Olympic bronze medallist Vijender Singh and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Akhil Kumar as experienced former boxers whose presence as observers could have improved transparency and player confidence in the selection process.
What were the previous assessment scores based on?
The previous assessment included strength and conditioning tests, weight management, health management, and attendance scores. All these scores have now been withdrawn and declared null and void under the new system.
