The International Boxing Association (IBA) President Umar Kremlev has opened a new boxing academy in Kuwait, also attending the Opening Ceremony of first edition of the Kuwait International Boxing Championships during his visit.

This facility is one of the IBA Boxing Academies, which as part of the organisation's Development Policy, should serve as special educational and training spaces on all of the continents.

It means National Federations do not have to travel as far, and therefore save money, for training.

"Boxing is a hugely popular sport in the Middle East now," said Kremlev.

"I am truly proud of the new boxing academy in Kuwait as its location offers great opportunities for the development of many National Federations. 

"Additionally, the city is showing that is capable of hosting boxing competitions at the highest level, such as the first edition of the International Boxing Championships for men. 

"I am looking forward to seeing a new generation of boxers trained at this facility."

Kremlev opened the facility shortly after attending the African Boxing Confederation Congress in Algeria earlier this month.

He faces a Congress of his own in September or October in Armenia, where a second Extraordinary Congress is to be held, for the Presidential election between the Russian and Dutch Boxing Federation President Boris van der Vorst. 

The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled that Van der Vorst - who was deemed ineligible to stand for the post of President by the Boxing Independent Integrity Unit on the eve of the election - should have been able to stand.

The Kuwait International Boxing Championships started on Wednesday (July 20) and is set to end this Tuesday (July 26).

An open competition, it welcomed 80 boxers from 20 countries.

Nations competing were Bahrain, Bulgaria, China, Germany, Guinea-Bissau, Hong Kong, Iran, Iraq, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Thailand, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan and Yemen. 

Kremlev also met the Director of Public Authority for Sport Saqer Allmulla to discuss boxing development in Kuwait and the potential to host an international event.

The Kuwait Boxing Federation hosted the first Asian Schoolboys Boxing Championships in Kuwait City in August 2019 and also organised the Arab Junior Boxing Championships in 2020.

International Boxing Association (IBA) President Umar Kremlev held a meeting with President of Israel Isaac Herzog to discuss the sport's development in the country.

Herzog promised that greater attention will be handed to boxing, with more financial investments cited as one of the methods of support.

Meanwhile, Kremlev insisted that young competitors will produce better results if the number of free-of-charge boxing gyms are opened.

The IBA President officially opened a gym of this type, alongside Israeli boxing veterans, in Rishon LeZion, prior to sitting down with Herzog.

"Promoting and developing boxing are the key goals of our organisation (sic)," Kremlev said at the Opening Ceremony.

"We hope that this gym could motivate more young people in Rishon LeZion to go in for sports and become stronger.

"Enjoy the best moments of your lives here."

Kremlev also informed Herzog about boxing’s current situation during the meeting of two Presidents, though it is unclear whether this relates to the latest controversies facing the sport and what details were discussed.

The Russian official is scheduled to defend his incumbent position against The Netherlands’ Boris van der Vorst at an Extraordinary Congress in Yerevan, after the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled the first election between the pair should have been staged with both candidates eligible.

The IBA has faced growing opposition to relocate the event from Armenia, which is a strong ally of Russia.

The IOC has also stripped the IBA of its right to organise boxing events at the Paris 2024 Olympics because of ongoing concerns over governance issues within the organisation.

Kremlev and Herzog’s meeting also referenced the Israeli’s father, Chaim Herzog and the sixth President of the country, who was an Irish youth bantamweight champion.

Kremlev was in Israel in the same month that the country's military killed at least 44 people in a three-day bombing assault on the Gaza Strip.

The Palestinian Health Ministry says 16 children were among the dead.

Israel claims it was preemptively targeting Palestinian Islamic Jihad militants, who responded with rocket fire.

Egypt brokered a ceasefire on August 7 which has largely held.

The Egyptian Olympic Committee (EOC) presented a shield to International Boxing Association (IBA) President Umar Kremlev as it welcomed the official for a visit coinciding with the Arab Boxing for Youth Championships.

EOC President Hesham Hatab and the Board of Directors were present at a meeting with the boxing head at EOC headquarters in Cairo.

International Handball Federation President Hassan Mostafa and Egyptian Boxing Federation President Abdulaziz Ghanim were also in attendance.

At the meeting, Youssef Ali Al-Kazem, President of the Arab Boxing Union, spoke about the organisation of the Arab Boxing for Youth Championships and the cooperation between the Arab nations competing and the IBA.

Kremlev and Al-Kazem then took a tour of the EOC's Olympic Museum.

"I would like to congratulate the local boxing federation and Egyptian Olympic Committee with the successful start of the fifth Arab Boxing for Youth Championships," said Kremlev.

"It is an important event for the continent and IBA is happy to support it, especially as a part of the 'Year of Africa' initiative. 

"Egypt has a proud boxing history, I am sure that we could organize even bigger international tournaments here in the future."

Approximately 70 athletes from 12 nations competed at the Arab Boxing for Youth Championships.

The International Boxing Association (IBA) President Umar Kremlev has met with Bulgaria's Minister of Youth and Sports of Bulgaria Radostin Vasilev in Sofia to discuss the sport's development in the country.

Russian official Kremlev also opened the Strandja Tournament in the country's capital with his Bulgarian Boxing Federation counterpart Krasimir Ininski yesterday.

During his meeting with Vasilev, Kremlev discussed ongoing cooperation between the two entities, ways to improve financial support for boxing and integrating modern technologies into the promotion of the sport.

The Strandja Tournament claims to be the oldest international tournament in amateur boxing held in Europe and is due to run until Sunday (February 27).

More than 350 boxers from 36 countries are taking part at its 73^rd edition.

Kremlev paid tribute to the Bulgarian Government for its support of the event.

"Thank you for your efforts to make sport fair and transparent," the IBA President said.

"Today, it’s a highly important issue for every sport and boxing in particular.

"As you know, IBA is underway of important reforms including sports and financial integrity which should be completed this year.

"We are going to create equal opportunities for boxers all around the world.

"Because of that, the support of such significant international events as Strandja is our priority."

Vasilev claimed that the tournament represented an example of the Government backing boxing.

"Strandja is one of the major and historical tournaments for boxing in the Balkans," he insisted.

"I am proud that it is conducted here in Sofia.

"We are proud of our champions from Bulgaria and will give our best efforts to popularize boxing and other sports with Government support.

Ininski added: "I thank IBA President for the vote of confidence that the Strandja Tournament will be the first testing 'Golden Belt Series' tournament as a part of soon-to-establish IBA World Boxing Tour," he commented.

"This is a testament to our good work and efforts.

"I wish all participants to give their best and together make the competition even more successful."

Kremlev was elected as IBA President in December 2020 on a vow to wipe out the organisation's debts and restore its place at the Olympic Games, after it was striped of any involvement at Tokyo 2020 due to concerns over refereeing, judging and governance.

A series of governance reforms were approved at last year's Extraordinary Congress, including a change in the organisation's acronym from AIBA.

However, boxing has been left off the initial programme from Los Angeles 2028, with a deadline of 2023 in place for IBA to meet certain criteria set by the International Olympic Committee.

International Boxing Association President Umar Kremlev has met with young athletes and the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan during a visit to the country.

In what was Kremlev’s first visit to Kazakhstan, he met with the President of the Kazakhstan Boxing Federation, Kenes Rakishev, and the country’s Prime Minister, Askar Mamin.

Described as a "fruitful" meeting, the officials discussed plans to further the development of boxing in Kazakhstan, including an initiative to further the sport in schools and institutes.

"Kazakhstan has a rich history of boxing and a great future," said Kremlev.

"I would like to thank the Government of the country, boxing federation and all sport officials who give their efforts to develop our sport, to give more opportunities and to create conditions for athletes, to organise high-level competitions."

Kazakhstan won five medals at the Men’s World Boxing Championships in Serbia, held in October and November, finishing with a tally of two golds, two silvers and one bronze medal, enough for second place in the overall medal table behind Cuba.

International Boxing Association (AIBA) President Umar Kremlev spoke of his determination to improve gender equality in the sport following a meeting with Nepal President Bidhya Devi Bhandari.

Kremlev made an official visit to Nepal’s capital Kāthmāndau, where he held a series of talks with senior Government officials, including Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and Sports Minister

He also met with Bhandari, who is the first female President of Nepal.

"I want to express big gratitude for taking care of the development of sports and personal involvement of the head of Nepal," said Kremlev.

"From the AIBA side, we fully understand the importance of gender equity question and work at this issue very actively to create equal conditions for men and women in boxing.

"For example, we created the same level of prize money for men’s and women’s World Championships."

AIBA said Kremlev and Bhandari agreed on tight cooperation of joint projects to bring boxing in Nepal to the "next level".

"Boxing is one of the most popular sports in Nepal," said Bhandari.

"From our side, we will provide all kinds of support for the development of sports in the country and to work more closely with Nepal Boxing Federation.

"We really appreciate the ideas to implement special boxing programmes in schools and institutes, to create training camps in the mountains and to hold significant Asian tournaments here."

Kremlev said he was committed to developing the sport in Nepal with the aim of seeing "more and more champions appear" and "more competitions emerge".

He confirmed AIBA and Nepal would work on projects, including organising joint training camps, exchanging experience between coaches and judges and ensuring an additional qualification programme for Nepali sports officials.

Discussions also took place over the possibility of staging the Asian Championships at a 20,000-capacity venue in Nepal, according to AIBA.

"Here in Nepal, we are developing sports for health and various activities, which unfortunately due to the pandemic are not now at full speed,” said Gahatraj.

"We are thankful to the AIBA President for coming and contributing to the development of boxing all around the globe and in our country in particular.

"Nepal has great natural opportunities for training camps to arrange at the highest point of the earth."

Deuba added: "I am glad to see how the AIBA President is developing boxing.

"Boxing is the most popular sport in Nepal and it will be great if AIBA could provide assistance for educational programmes in schools and institutes.

"I am sure that we will be successful in our cooperation.

"From our side we will provide full support to the Nepal National Federation."

International Boxing Association (AIBA) President Umar Kremlev visited Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia to propose the hosting of an international tournament in the country.

Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh, the Mongolian President, held a reception for he AIBA delegation led by Kremlev.

"I would like to express big gratitude to head of the country, Mr Khürelsükh, Mongolian Boxing Federation and Ministry of Sports for their constant support of global sport and boxing in particular," said Kremlev.

"Popularisation of a healthy lifestyle among the younger generation should be one of the prerogatives of the Government of each country.

"Mongolia has all necessary conditions to host major sport events at international level starting from venues, arenas and accommodation opportunities."

The Russian official also stated that he plans to implement a number of joint projects and programmes with the Mongolian Boxing Federation, including the establishment of a boxing academy.

"We would support any and all initiatives which would serve the development of boxing, notably, one of the top four sports in Mongolia," said Khürelsükh.

"I am glad that AIBA and Mongolian Boxing Federation have such a close professional relationship and ambitions that align."

As a part of the visit, Kremlev met with elite, youth and junior boxers on the national teams and took part in a joint training session.

"We want that every boxer to know that AIBA is his or her home," said Kremlev.

"We strive to create all the necessary conditions for this.

"Boxers and coaches are the most important people in AIBA family."

The meeting is a part of the Kremlev's engagement programme, which the AIBA President claims is aimed at giving all boxers the opportunity to be heard.

"Mongolia is one of the Asian boxing powers which earned medals and titles throughout their history at all levels of events including top international boxing events like the AIBA Men’s World Boxing Championships, the AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships, the Asian Games and the ASBC Asian Boxing Championships," Kremlev added.

"This country has a great tradition of boxing and AIBA is going to support it in all initiatives."

The President of the International Boxing Association (AIBA) Umar Kremlev has met with the referees and judges who will be part of the AIBA Men's World Boxing Championships here in Belgrade, pledging fights will be fair at the tournament.

Also in attendance was independent expert Richard McLaren, AIBA Referees and Judges Committee chairman Chris Roberts, AIBA Competitions Committee chair Michael Müller and technical delegate for the Championships, Marko Marovic.

McLaren recently concluded a report into the manipulation of officiating at the Rio 2016 Olympics, which heavily criticised the previous AIBA regime.

The International Olympic Committee organised the event at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics after the AIBA was suspended as the international governing body of the sport.

All 36 referees and judges at Rio 2016 were banned from officiating at Tokyo 2020.

"I am really happy to spend some time with you who are in our team, who are committed to fair fights and transparent judging with the highest standards of integrity," said Kremlev. 

"In AIBA, we have clear rules and these must be implemented properly. 

"Those who fail to do so will be excluded from the AIBA family forever.

"We should put the past behind us, having learnt from it so that we can move on. 

"Every mistake in judging could cost an athlete the chance to achieve his or her destiny. 

"Should we fail, we risk having no new generations in our boxing gyms and no future."

Competition has started today at the Championships and is scheduled to end on November 6.

Sebgag Abdelrezakand, the Minster of Sports of Algeria, and Abderrahmane Hammad, the President of the Algerian Olympic Committee, held a meeting with International Boxing Association (IBA) President Umar Kremlev where they discussed ways to develop boxing in the country.

Several issues were raised related to cooperation between the IBA, the NOC and Algerian Ministry of Sport and Youth.

The start of education course for officials, a financial support scheme and Algeria hosting continental and international events were also topics of discussion.

"In every city there are people who box," Abdelrezakand said.

"Boxing as a sport is well respected in our country.

"In recent times, national boxing has been growing actively and the results are remarkable.

"We have every intention to invest into this sport and to develop a new generation of athletes."

Algeria showed promise at the 2022 Women's World Championships where Imane Khelif won silver and Ichrak Chaib claimed bronze.

The nation had previously achieved none at the 2019 edition.

However, they have not achieved an Olympic gold medal in the sport since Atlanta 1996 and the nation has not achieved a medal since Sydney 2000.

Algeria also did not win a medal at the 2021 Men's World Boxing Championships.

"Algeria is a boxing country with strong people and successfully competed at IBA Women’s World Championships in Istanbul in this May," said IBA President Kremlev.

"The country has all needed infrastructure to host big competitions including continental championships and others."

Kremlev was visiting Algeria where he attended the African Boxing Confederation Congress, which elected Cameroon's Bertrand Mendouga to succeed Mohamed Moustahsane to a four-year term.

The IBA President is set to face an election of his own on a date between September 24 and October 1 in Yerevan in Armenia.

This follows the controversial Extraordinary Congress that was held in Istanbul in May.

Boris van der Vorst was deemed ineligible to stand as a candidate by the Boxing Independent Integrity Unit (BIIU) a day prior to the election

This allowed Russian Umar Kremlev to be re-elected as President unopposed.

Board of Directors candidates - New Zealand's Steve Hartley, Sweden's Per-Axel Sjöholm and United States' Mike McAtee - were also judged to be ineligible.

The BIIU ruled that van der Vorst, Hartley, Sjöholm and McAtee had allegedly broken rules on breaches of collaboration between candidates and early campaigning.

Following an appeal, the Court of Arbitration for Sport stated that van der Vorst should have been allowed to stand and that a formal warning or no sanction at all would have been sufficient.

Kremlev was deemed to have broken the same rule as the Dutchman related to early campaigning.

The IBA has been stripped of its right to organise the boxing event for Paris 2024 and it has been left off the initial programme for Los Angeles 2028.

International Boxing Association (IBA) President Umar Kremlev has claimed that the International Boxing Day (IBD) celebration in the Democratic Republic of Congo is set to benefit the development of the sport in the African nation.

A celebration event in Kinshasa to mark IBD was attended by African Boxing Confederation (AFBC) President Bertrand Mendouga and his DR Congo Boxing Federation counterpart Général Ilunga Luyoyo Ferdinand.

"I am happy to celebrate International Boxing Day with the African continent and send a good message to the world," Kremlev said.

 "We are a strong and united boxing family, we are helping our National Federations to develop the sport in every single country.

"Boxing is a diverse sport, and we are committed to making it available for everyone."

Ferdinand claimed that Kinshasa has always been a "a city of boxing" and pointed out that "The Rumble in the Jungle" between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman took place in Congo’s capital.  

"We have always been loving boxing here," Ferdinand said.

"We are grateful that IBA chose us as a host country for International Boxing Day.

"This is the start of a new era of boxing in DR Congo."

IBA Board of Directors Pearl Dlamini, Yusuf Al Kazim and Dian Gomes, who were also present at the event, conveyed their best for the boxing fraternity and expressed support for the Year of Africa initiative, aimed at staging more events and development programmes in the continent.

Olympic champion Estelle Mossely and World Boxing Council cruiserweight champion Junior Ilunga Makabu were special guests for the celebration.

Rio 2016 Olympic gold medallist Mossely, who has Congolese roots, was back in the city after three years to celebrate IBD.

"Three years ago I came to Kinshasa for the first time to train with children and inspire them, and now I am also back to the roots to celebrate International Boxing Day here," Mossely said

"I earned my titles when I was 24, I have two kids, and I still continue to perform and win titles.

"I have my goals and I’d love to keep inspiring people."

Makabu also expressed interest in helping African boxers and said that the athletes from the continent "have never been given an opportunity to show their skills before."

"Now, IBA is really determined to promote boxing," he said.

"We are waiting for good opportunities to work together with IBA.

"We are moving ahead."

International Boxing Association (IBA) President Umar Kremlev has met sports officials during visits to Saudi Arabia and Palestine.

During his visit to Saudi Arabia Kremlev met Saudi Arabian Boxing Federation President Abdullah Hamad Al Harbi and vice-president Rasha Mohamed Al-Khamis.

The Saudi Arabian Boxing Federation expressed an interest in organising major international events, including continental and World Championships, and said it was looking to build a boxing academy in the country.

"Saudi Arabia has a great experience in the organisation of big sports events," said Kremlev.

"We are looking forward to seeing boxing tournaments in the country in the future.

"The new academy will deliver many new specialists who will raise the sport to another level.

"I would like to underline that IBA is always ready to provide assistance in the education of coaches and officials at the national and international levels."

During his visit to Saudi Arabia, Kremlev also met with leaders of boxing federations from Arabian gulf countries and pledged to hold regular boxing tournaments in the region.

"Creation and organisation of regular boxing competitions within the Gulf region will allow local coaches and officials to develop their skills," said Kremlev.

"This way the region could become a more competitive one at continental level. IBA will support this intention with its resources and experience."

As part of this goal athletes from six Gulf countries are set to be invited to participate in a two-week training camp in the autumn, where they will work alongside international coaches.

Athletes involved with the camp are set to come from Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Kremlev also visited Palestine where he met with the President of the Palestine National Olympic Committee Jibril Mahmoud Muhammad Rajoub and President of the Palestinian Boxing Federation Mohammad Al-Sahout.

During the visit Kremlev visited some boxing gyms in the country, and agreed with all parties that the Palestinian Government would allocate a place for a boxing centre to be constructed.

Kremlev also donated boxing equipment to young athletes from Palestine.

"Palestine has good potential and capacity for the development of boxing," said Kremlev.

"After talking to young athletes, I see that there are many young people who could become stars in the ring in the future.

"We have to create conditions for them, including more places for training and competitions.

"This should be the main priority on the way to raising new champions."

The visits to Saudi Arabia and Palestine come just after Kremlev visited Israel, where he met the Country's President Isaac Herzog to discuss the development of sport in the country.

International Boxing Association (IBA) President Umar Kremlev has met sports officials during visits to Saudi Arabia and Palestine.

During his visit to Saudi Arabia Kremlev met Saudi Arabian Boxing Federation President Abdullah Hamad Al Harbi and vice-president Rasha Mohamed Al-Khamis.

The Saudi Arabian Boxing Federation expressed an interest in organising major international events, including continental and World Championships, and said it was looking to build a boxing academy in the country.

"Saudi Arabia has a great experience in the organisation of big sports events," said Kremlev.

"We are looking forward to seeing boxing tournaments in the country in the future.

"The new academy will deliver many new specialists who will raise the sport to another level.

"I would like to underline that IBA is always ready to provide assistance in the education of coaches and officials at the national and international levels."

During his visit to Saudi Arabia, Kremlev also met with leaders of boxing federations from Arabian gulf countries and pledged to hold regular boxing tournaments in the region.

"Creation and organisation of regular boxing competitions within the Gulf region will allow local coaches and officials to develop their skills," said Kremlev.

"This way the region could become a more competitive one at continental level. IBA will support this intention with its resources and experience."

As part of this goal athletes from six Gulf countries are set to be invited to participate in a two-week training camp in the autumn, where they will work alongside international coaches.

Athletes involved with the camp are set to come from Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Kremlev also visited Palestine where he met with the President of the Palestine National Olympic Committee Jibril Mahmoud Muhammad Rajoub and President of the Palestinian Boxing Federation Mohammad Al-Sahout.

During the visit Kremlev visited some boxing gyms in the country, and agreed with all parties that the Palestinian Government would allocate a place for a boxing centre to be constructed.

Kremlev also donated boxing equipment to young athletes from Palestine.

"Palestine has good potential and capacity for the development of boxing," said Kremlev.

"After talking to young athletes, I see that there are many young people who could become stars in the ring in the future.

"We have to create conditions for them, including more places for training and competitions.

"This should be the main priority on the way to raising new champions."

The visits to Saudi Arabia and Palestine come just after Kremlev visited Israel, where he met the Country's President Isaac Herzog to discuss the development of sport in the country.

International Boxing Association (IBA) President Umar Kremlev pledged to continue striving for gender equality during the Opening Ceremony of the Women's World Boxing Championships here at the Başakşehir Youth and Sports Facility in Istanbul.

Kremlev, who is standing for re-election at an Extraordinary Congress on Friday and Saturday (May 13 and 14), made a speech at potential his last World Championships as the IBA leader.

The Russian official spoke about the pioneers of women's boxing, praising its development despite still being "relatively young".

"Thanks to the pioneers of women's boxing," said Kremlev. 

"Many of them are here with us today and thanks to you we have this women’s boxing contest. 

"Women's boxing is still relatively young. 

"A record-breaking number of 73 teams are competing here while only 30 competed at the first [Women's World Boxing Championships].

"It demonstrates the growing power of women's boxing around the world. 

"All that would not be possible without the development of women's boxing. 

"It also shows our commitment to gender equality."

Kremlev highlighted a policy introduced on his watch that rewards medal winners at the World Championships for both men and women on an equal basis.

The 2021 edition of the Men's World Boxing Championships and the 2022 edition of the women's event here in Turkey are the first in IBA history to award prize money to medallists.

"That is why I want to continue fighting for the right of women's boxing," added the IBA President. 

"I know that our female boxers will continue to write exciting new chapters in sports history.

"To the athletes: remember those who open the doors for you. 

"Respect their efforts and hard work and do the same for new boxers. 

"Please always remember that IBA is your boxing home and we are ready to help you whenever you need."

Event ambassadors Roy Jones Jr, Estelle Mossely and Sarah Ourahmoune all gave speeches, expressing their gratitude for being trusted with their positions.

Ourahmoune and Mossely, both French, are former gold medallists at this event.

American Jones' amateur career including winning the men's light-middleweight silver medal at the Seoul 1988 Olympic Games, losing the final versus home boxer Park Si-hun in contentious circumstances.

"It's a great opportunity to show that women’s boxing is at its highest," said Ourahmoune via a video message, as she was unable to physically attend.

"Every time a woman steps into the ring, it's one more step towards equality."

Following them were speeches from the Turkish Boxing Federation President Eyüp Gözgeç and Mehmet Baykan from Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Turkey's Olympic and world champion Busenaz Sürmeneli and Susann Köpke from Germany, representing referees and judges, took the oath for clean sport.

Competition is scheduled to start tomorrow evening here in Istanbul with the under-57 kilograms and under-70kg categories.

International Boxing Association (AIBA) President Umar Kremlev has urged Tajikistan to develop the sport during a visit to the Central Asian country.

Kremlev held meetings with officials and boxers, who he donated equipment to so they can prepare properly for upcoming competitions.

"AIBA would like boxing to become one of the most popular sports here," Kremlev said during his trip.

"Tajikistan has a high potential in boxing and a good history of great athletes.

"The most important thing is to develop the sport.

"With the support of AIBA, Tajikistan can improve the qualifications of the specialists, exchange experience, hence perform better at the international level."

Since gaining its independence in 1991 following the break-up of the Soviet Union and making its Olympic debut at Atlanta 1996, Tajikistan has sent only one boxer to the Games.

That was Mavzuna Chorieva, winner of bronze in the woman’s lightweight category at London 2012, making her Tajikistan’s only female Olympic medallist.

Tajikistan has also failed to send a representative to the Asian Games since Guangzhou 2010.

Probably, Tajikistan’s most successful boxer is Raimkul Malakhbekov, born in the country’s capital Dushanbe but who represented Russia at international level.

The former bantamweight won two AIBA World Championship titles in 1995 and 1997, as well as an Olympic silver medal at Sydney 2000 and bronze at Atlanta 1996.

Malakhbekov was among delegates to greet Kremlev during his visit.

"We are happy to welcome AIBA President here in Tajikistan," he said.

"This is very important for a leader to travel to different countries and to speak with boxers and representatives of NFs (National Federations) personally.

"Boxing in Tajikistan has great future and perspectives, and under right leaderships, it will develop very fast."

Kremlev sought to assure officials and boxers that they would try to create conditions to help them develop.

"I hope to see Tajikistan representatives in the AIBA Committees," he said.

"Let's educate specialists, hold international seminars for referees and judges, so they can perform well on the international arena.

"We need to start with national boxing competitions on a regular basis, for example, to establish Boxing Cup and gradually conduct international competitions.

"AIBA is your home in boxing.

"For our Association and for me personally, boxers and coaches are the most important people.

"Our sport exists because of you.

"We are carrying out a lot of reforms in AIBA, we focus on intensive support and cooperation with National Federations all around the globe.

"AIBA will ensure fair judging for every boxer, a comfortable environment and the confidence that their interests are the first priority."

Beg Sabur, President of the Boxing Federation of the Republic of Tajikistan, promised to make every effort to find new fighters.

"We will start searching for new talents in villages and small cities," he said.

"Our goal is to encourage more regions of the country to develop boxing."

IBA President Umar Kremlev visited London to meet Gethin Jenkins, the chief executive of England Boxing.

The meeting was to discuss the cooperation and development of the sport in the country, as well as how to revive the best boxing traditions.

"As it was discussed with Mr Jenkins, we are planning to establish in England a historical monument for the founders of boxing, those who developed and wrote the rules for boxing," said Kremlev.

Kremlev also visited Newcastle where the finals of the England Boxing National Schools Championships were taking place.

"I was pleased with the high level of the tournament," said Kremlev.

"There were 170 athletes, boys and girls between 12 and 14 years old, who took part in the final fights in three rings. 

"We saw 86 exciting fights."

Jenkins also attended the finals, where Kremlev presented boxers with gloves, headguards and training pads.

International Boxing Association President Umar Kremlev visited Germany, where it was announced that a Boxing Academy will be built.

Kremlev met with German Boxing Association President Erich Dreke and secretary general Michael Müller, as well as Swiss Boxing Federation President Andreas Anderegg and Olympic champion Henry Maske.

"We have to create the best conditions for our athletes worldwide," he said.

"That's why we want to build the second Boxing Academy in Europe here, in Germany. 

"This is a country with great boxing traditions, and we have to encourage the young generation for their future victories. 

"Academy is a foundation of boxing development, here the experienced specialists will educate coaches, referees, judges, ringside doctors, cutmen and managers. 

"Of course, it will be a good place for athletes to train."

Kremlev also used his visit to present to the winners of the Cologne Boxing World Cup.

Poland - April 2021

Umar Kremlev visited the Polish Olympic Committee headquarters in Warsaw, where he met the NOC's counterpart Andrzej Kraśnicki.

Kremlev thanked the country for hosting the 2021 Youth World Championships in Kielce.

It was also agreed that the two organisations would work together to ensure the success of the event, with full support of the Polish Boxing Federation.

Morocco - November 2022

Umar Kremlev visited Morocco when an announcement about the construction of an international boxing academy was made.

Morocco was also awarded a Golden Belt tournament as part of the World Boxing Tour.

Kremlev inspected sports venues and met with young Moroccan boxers.

He also held meetings with Moroccan Government officials and the country's National Olympic Committee.

In December 2022, Umar Kremlev visited the capital of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek.

He met with the President of the country, Sadyr Zhaparov, about boxing development and the construction of a new international centre in the country.

Two boxing facilities are also being reconstructed.

"We drew a common conclusion that Kyrgyzstan is successfully developing in boxing popularisation," said Kremlev.

"IBA will provide all necessary support in the preparation of future champions. We will also organise the training of athletes from all over the world at the training facilities of the Republic.

"I can confidently say that Kyrgyzstan is successfully coping with the development of boxing. And I am grateful to the President Zhaparov for his contribution to boxing and sports in the country."

Following the meeting, the IBA President paid a visit to the NOC and Kyrgyz Boxing Federation.

International Boxing Association (IBA) President Umar Kremlev has travelled to China to meet with the country's boxing federation President Chen Liren, with the sport's development and the organisation of future events on the agenda.

Kremlev stressed that boxing's growth in China was of the utmost importance to the IBA.

The delegation visited the Beijing Shichahai Sports School where demonstrations of training sessions and examinations conducted by the Chinese Boxing Federation were given.

The school's sports programme is designed for children of preschool age before eventually progressing up to adults, with a total of 18 grades to be achieved.

"Boxing is a social elevator for boxers from different countries who can provide money to their families by winning," said Kremlev.

"Sports are higher than politics.

"When sport begins, all debates and conflicts must end.

"China is an example of a country where, besides family values, the ideology of culture and the independence of the state is also valued, which only leads to the development of society.

"China is a great authoritative country which knows how to defend its independence properly."

The IBA sees China as a good target for development as it has numerous cities with top class infrastructure and many commercial organisations which could be potential sponsors of events held in the country.

The IBA is attempting to increase its growth and drum up global support amid its Olympic status being under threat.

It is embroiled in a long-running feud with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) after having its recognition withdrawn by the latter in 2019 due to concerns over judging and refereeing, financial stability and governance.

This led to the IOC Boxing Task Force handling the sport at Tokyo 2020, while the governing body is set to do the same again at Paris 2024.

Boxing has also been left off the initial programme for Los Angeles 2028.

IBA President Umar Kremlev visited the office of the Indonesian Olympic Committee (KOI) in Jakarta.

His delegation was welcomed by KOI chairman Raja Sapta Oktohari and KOI Board members. 

Discussions were held on how to develop national boxing and the possibility of staging World Boxing Tour competitions in Indonesia.

"Indonesia has a lot of talented boxers, and we are going to restore the glory of Indonesian boxing," said Kremlev. 

"In 2023, we celebrate the Year of Asia, as our goal is to focus on the development of our sport on the continent.

"With the support of the local authorities, we can successfully organise one of the WBT tournaments this year in Indonesia. 

"Going forward, we can also consider Jakarta as a host city for the World Championships."

Oktohari said the arrival of the IBA President was a good first step towards reviving the achievements of boxing in the country.

"Boxing is an important sport for our country, and we are ready to support its development on the national level," he said. 

"The contribution of the organisation to new formats of events helps to grow the popularity of the sport.

"Thanks to the support of the IBA, each National Federation can increase its opportunities and achieve better results. 

"Prize money gives more motivation to athletes to dedicate themselves to boxing."