IOC Proposes Boxing’s Inclusion in LA28 Olympics, Boosting India’s Hopes

The International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) executive board has put forward a proposal for boxing’s inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics (LA28) to the 144th IOC Session, which is set to meet this week in Costa Navarino, Greece.  

This marks a major development for the sport, following the IOC’s provisional recognition of World Boxing in February 2025. World Boxing replaced the International Boxing Association (IBA) as the governing body for the sport at the international level.  

Boxing’s path to LA28 has been turbulent. The sport was initially excluded from the Games due to governance issues with the IBA. After the IOC withdrew recognition of the IBA in June 2023, the sport’s Olympic status remained uncertain. To ensure fair and transparent competition, the IOC set up a task force to organize boxing events at Paris 2024, where 68 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) participated. The results were promising, with a record-high ratio of NOCs winning medals.  

Now, with World Boxing gaining provisional recognition and representing 84 National Federations globally, boxing appears set to return to the Olympic stage. The IOC’s decision to bring the proposal to a full session signals a positive step toward reinstating the sport in LA28.  

For India, boxing’s potential inclusion in LA28 holds great significance. The country has made notable strides in the sport, winning three Olympic boxing medals – Vijender Singh (Beijing 2008), Mary Kom (London 2012), and Lovlina Borgohain (Tokyo 2020), all securing bronze.  

With the possibility of boxing’s return, Indian pugilists are eager to compete. Two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen, a dominant force in the 50kg category, is India’s top contender for LA28.  

Other notable male boxers who could make an impact include:  

– Amit Panghal: A former world silver medallist in the 51kg category.  

– Nishant Dev: A World Championships bronze medallist in the 71kg division.  

– Mandeep Jangra: India’s first professional boxing world champion, winning the WBF super featherweight title.  

– Neeraj Goyat: A three-time WBC Asia champion and the first Indian to earn a World Boxing Council rating.  

On the women’s side, India boasts several strong contenders:  

– Lovlina Borgohain: Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist and world champion in the 75kg category.  

– Preeti Pawar: The Asian Under-22 champion in the 54kg category.  

– Jaismine Lamboria: A rising star in the 57kg category.  

For these athletes, the IOC’s final decision on boxing’s inclusion in LA28 will be crucial. A positive outcome would provide them with the opportunity to showcase their talent on the grandest stage, further solidifying India’s growing reputation in international boxing.