Ali Salameh – ASBC was transparent and we clarified our position after the IOC’s announcement
The Asian Boxing Confederation hosted its Board of Directors Meeting in Bangkok a few days ago and important decisions have been made during the negotiations. The ASBC Secretary General Mr. Ali Salameh answered the main questions following the ASBC Board of Directors meeting which was led by the ASBC President Mr. Pichai Chunhavajira.
What were the key points of your decision to launch the statement on Friday?
As a collective, the board felt it was important to be transparent and clarify our position after the IOC’s announcement. This topic has created confusion in our industry, and we wanted to make sure that our members were aware of our commitment to 1. Our athletes 2. The Olympic Games. The main reason for our statement was to show our athletes that we will do what it takes to prioritise their futures and fulfil our commitment to the Olympic Charter and movement.
What were the opinions and discussions of the ASBC Board of Directors in the meeting?
The opinions of the Board of Directors circled around two points: we must prioritise our athletes and the importance of the Olympic Games. All of the ASBC Board Members agreed that we should issue a statement, call for an Extraordinary Congress as this is an exceptional situation and that without an International Federation, our path was unclear. Everyone agreed that the decision must be handled through the proper channels and that our constitution was no longer in line with our objective ‘to promote and further the ideals of the Olympic Charter and movement’. Every board member also agreed that we would not commit to any other International Federation unless it was recognised by the IOC. In accordance with the Olympic Charter, each sport programme must be managed by an International Federation to compete in the Olympic Games. The statement on Friday was simply made to clarify that we would prepare for the future and make the proper adjustments to the ASBC structure in order to do that, and run our championships accordingly.
What do you expect from this step in Asia’s boxing future?
The future of boxing internationally is uncertain; this is why we as a Confederation made the decisions to take these preemptive steps during this time. Whomever the IOC recognises as the International Federation we will look to align with them – if it secures our athletes Olympic future. We have already contacted the IOC asking for guidance in the next steps and we are waiting for their response. Once we are clear on how to proceed, we will do whatever is required to get the ASBC Championships re-scheduled.
When and where are you planning to host the ASBC Extraordinary Congress?
According to the ASBC Constitution and Bylaws we must provide all members a three-month notice to attend. Based on that we intend on holding the Extraordinary Congress in September or October, and we are contacting some National Federations to host it. The exact details will be sent in accordance with the ASBC Constitution.
What will happen with the planned upcoming ASBC Championships?
Once we are clear on how to proceed, we will do whatever is required to get the ASBC Championships re-scheduled. Just to reiterate, the decisions we make will be for the benefit of our boxers, as they are our sole concern. Although it was a difficult decision to postpone, the new dates will be announced shortly. It is important to understand our current situation and all of its legalities before we proceed with the important championships that our athletes work so hard for – they must be handled appropriately in line with the Olympic Charter and in accordance with our Bylaws.
When are you planning to meet with the IOC?
As mentioned above, they were contacted on the same day as our statement, and we will wait to hear from them. However, it will be paramount that we discuss in a timely fashion as to not further delay any of our tournaments.
What does it mean for you that boxing is involved to the 2028 Olympic program?
ASBC is extremely happy to hear of the IOC’s commitment to the sport of boxing and assuring us that it remains part of the Olympic Sports programme. To the Board, it also confirms that we made the correct recommendation to look after our athletes first and carefully consider the next steps so that we can prepare them for those games. As a confederation we believe that the Olympics represent the pinnacle of athletic achievement, and they provide a platform for athletes from every corner of the world to come together and compete on a level playing field. As a continent we have won the most medals on the Olympic stage over the years, and as an organisation, we are committed to supporting our athletes in their pursuit of the Olympic dream. We intend to put all of ASBC’s extensive resources in full support of the Olympic Movement.
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