International Boxing Association (IBA) granted full membership, historic decision taken in the board meeting: General Secretary and Chief Executive Officer Chris Roberts
New Delhi/Lausanne.In a historic achievement for the Indian boxing world, the Indian Amateur Boxing Federation (IABF) has been granted full membership of the International Boxing Association (IBA). This important decision was taken by the IBA Board of Directors on 6 February 2026, which was formally communicated through a letter issued from Lausanne, Switzerland on 9 February 2026. IBA President Omar Kremlev, in a letter addressed to IABF President Dr. Rakesh Mishra, heartily congratulated on this achievement and said that this recognition has been given due to IABF’s commitment towards the sport of boxing, transparent functioning and operation in accordance with international standards.
Welcome IABF to the IBA family: Omar Krimlev
IBA President said in his message that Indian Amateur Boxing Federation joining the IBA family is a matter of great joy for the organization. He expressed confidence that the active participation of IABF will provide new direction and momentum to the development of the sport of boxing at the global level.
Formal invitation to participate in international competitions:
IABF has been formally invited by IBA to participate in upcoming international events and competitions. IBA has expressed hope that the participation of Indian boxers will make the global boxing community more powerful and energetic and will establish a long-term and meaningful cooperation between the two organizations in future.
Golden opportunity for Indian boxing: Dr. Rakesh Mishra
By getting full membership of IBA, Indian Amateur Boxing Federation will now get more rights, opportunities and recognition on the international platform. This will pave the way for the budding boxers of the country to participate in international competitions, get advanced training, technical cooperation and global experience.
Dr. Rakesh Mishra’s leadership appreciated internationally: Omar Krimlev
This achievement is being considered the result of the efficient leadership, visionary thinking and organized efforts of IABF National President Dr. Rakesh Mishra. Experts associated with the sports world believe that this recognition will prove to be a milestone in taking the future of Indian boxing to new heights. On this occasion, Dr. Rakesh Mishra said that this achievement is the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Indian boxing. Rakesh Thakran ji has expressed his gratitude towards the Board of Directors and member countries of the International Boxing Association. He said that this membership will play a decisive role in providing more opportunities to Indian boxers in the Olympic Games as per the intention of our Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He said that IABF will now identify talented players from the grassroots level and provide them systematic training, so that capable and competitive players can be prepared for the upcoming Olympic Games. Additionally, this membership will also provide an important opportunity to improve the deteriorating condition of Indian boxing over the last few years. Dr. Mishra called upon players, coaches, referees, technical officials and everyone associated with boxing from across the country to come forward and actively participate in this new era of Indian boxing. At the same time, IABF General Secretary Shri Rakesh Thakran ji heartily congratulated all the state level boxing associations of the country on this achievement and said that this success is the result of collective efforts. He said that now all of us will have to work in an organized and committed manner under the guidance of Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Honorable Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of India, so that Indian boxers can get better opportunities on the international platform, especially in the Olympic Games and the all-round development of boxing sport in the country can be ensured.
