Santiago Nieva Advocates Performance-Based Selection for Indian Boxers Ahead of Olympics
Santiago Nieva Hints At Asian Games Route To Olympics For Indian Boxers

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Santiago Nieva, head coach of Indian women's boxing, proposes a performance-based selection system for Olympic qualification, emphasizing results from international events like the Asian Games. This approach aims to streamline preparations for upcoming Olympic qualifiers, moving away from frequent trials that hinder training.
- 01Nieva suggests that boxers who perform well at international events could qualify directly for the Olympics, similar to the Asian Championships model.
- 02The Boxing Federation of India reverted to trial-based selections for the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games after complaints to the Sports Authority of India.
- 03Four Olympic qualifying events are scheduled in the next two years, critical for Indian boxers aiming for the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
- 04Nieva opposes the traditional trial system, arguing it disrupts proper preparation for international competitions.
- 05The administrative dispute between the Boxing Federation of India and the Sports Authority of India caused delays in the national camp.
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Santiago Nieva, the head coach of Indian women's boxing, is advocating for a performance-based selection system that could enhance the chances of Indian pugilists qualifying for the Olympics. With the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) having reverted to trial-based selections for the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games due to complaints received by the Sports Authority of India (SAI), Nieva believes that focusing on international performance, such as results from the upcoming Asian Games, could streamline the selection process. He highlighted that finalists from the Asian Championships earned direct qualification for these events, suggesting a similar model for future selections. This would allow boxers to focus on training and competitions rather than frequent trials, which can hinder preparation. The next two years are crucial for Indian boxing, with four Olympic qualifying events leading up to the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Nieva's experience as a former High Performance Director informs his belief that the current trial system is outdated and disrupts athletes' training schedules. He emphasized the need for a fair and effective selection system that prioritizes the best boxers.
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This shift to a performance-based selection system could enhance the preparation and success of Indian boxers in international competitions, potentially leading to more Olympic qualifications.
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