The IBF was suspended by AIBA last year due to "possible manipulation" in polls, leaving Indian boxers and officials in limbo.

Despite the request from the IBF for an extension to the deadline, AIBA communications director Sébastien Gillot spoke positively of the progress being made by the IBF in their quest to hold successful elections and adopt a new constitution in order to finally have their suspension lifted.

"The AIBA is satisfied with the progress that the IBF has made with regard to the holding of new elections and the adoption of a new constitution," Gillot said.

"Last Monday, August 26, the AIBA provided feedback to the IBF on the draft constitution and the parties are very close to agreeing a final form of the constitution.

"The IBF is moving forward with its internal approval process."

IBF secretary general Rajesh Bhandari has insisted that the organisation is attempting to get the elections completed successfully as soon as possible.

"AIBA sent us a draft constitution and we have already reverted back to them," he said.

"We are awaiting their response.

"We don't want to waste even one day."

Indian Boxing Federation secretary general Rajesh Bhandari has claimed that fresh elections will be held in November

However, he did warn that some time allowances will have to be made.

"We need to give a month's notice to the members for amendment and then another month's notice for elections," Bhandari explained.

"Then we need time to invite nominations also.

"I am sure AIBA will understand."

The ban on Indian boxers was lifted earlier this year following a plea to AIBA President and Taiwanese International Olympic Committee (IOC) member C K Wu from Indian IOC member Randhir Singh, who asked them not to punish athletes for the mistakes of the IBF.

The world governing body announced yesterday that Indian boxers will be able to compete at the World Championships in October, but warned that the IBF will be banned from further competition if they do not meet the deadline to hold an election.

IBF President Abhishek Matoria assured the Times of India, however, that the elections are likely to be held in November.

"We have tentatively kept the date as November 4 but if things work out, we may conduct the elections a little early," he said.

"We are following all the criteria laid down by the AIBA."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
February 2013: AIBA lift ban on Indian boxers and coaches