Asian Games medallists get direct route to 2027 Worlds under BFI’s LA 2028 plan

Asian Games 2026 medallists will earn direct entry to the 2027 World Boxing Championships under BFI’s selection policy. | Photo Credit: PTI

Indian boxers who win medals at the 2026 Asian Games will earn direct entry to the 2027 World Boxing Championships in Kazakhstan, the first qualification event for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

The Boxing Federation of India has announced its selection policy for the 2027-28 cycle, outlining a four-stage qualification route based on the system prepared by World Boxing and approved by the International Olympic Committee.

After the 2027 World Championships, the next qualification opportunity will come at the Asian Qualifier in China, followed by two World Qualifying Tournaments in Italy and Hungary in 2028.

Under the policy, Asian Games medallists will be India’s main entries in their respective Olympic weight categories at the World Championships. Gold medallists from the 10th Elite National Championships will be the reserves.

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In categories where India does not win an Asian Games medal, the Elite National Championships gold medallist will become the main entry. The same rule will apply to Olympic weight categories that are not part of the Asian Games programme.

Boxers who reach the quota bout stage at the World Championships but fail to secure an Olympic place will receive direct entry to the Asian Qualifier.

Other available positions will be decided through Ranking Selection Trials involving boxers from the Elite National Coaching Camp.

A similar system will be followed for the two World Qualifying Tournaments in 2028.

The National Coaching Camp will include medallists from the Elite National Championships, Asian Games medallists and wild-card selections made by the BFI Selection Committee.

For non-Olympic weight categories, the national champion will be the main entry for the 2027 World Championships, while the silver medallist will serve as reserve.

BFI president Ajay Singh said the policy was designed to provide boxers with a clear route towards Olympic qualification based on consistent performances.