Cuban Boxing Coach Blas Iglesias Fernandez Criticizes BFI’s Evaluation-Based Selection Policy
Cuban boxing coach Blas Iglesias Fernandez has been a prominent figure in Indian boxing for over three decades, and he recently shared his thoughts on the changes in the selection process by the Boxing Federation of India (BFI). Fernandez, who has been coaching national boxers since 1995, believes that the decision to revert to trials for selection was the right move.
The BFI had previously adopted a system of evaluation-based selections, but after no male boxers qualified for the Paris Olympics, they decided to go back to trials. Fernandez, who was appointed as the high performance coach for the National Boxing Academy in Rohtak, criticized the evaluation system and supported the return to trials.
He expressed his concerns about the lack of transparency and fairness in the evaluation process and emphasized the importance of trials in selecting the best boxers for international competitions. Fernandez, who was awarded the prestigious Dronacharya Award for coaching excellence, highlighted the flaws in the evaluation system and the impact it had on the performance of the boxers.
With the upcoming Boxing World Qualification Tournament in Bangkok being the last chance for boxers to secure berths for the Paris Olympics, Fernandez is optimistic about the chances of Amit Panghal, a former world No.1, to win a medal if he qualifies. He also praised women boxers like Nikhat Zareen and Lovlina Borgohain, who have already qualified for Paris.
Fernandez is now focused on preparing a plan for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and aims to widen the core group of boxers by adding more youth talent. He believes that a larger pool of boxers will create more competition and ultimately lead to better performances on the international stage. As the boxing community eagerly awaits the results of the upcoming qualification tournament, Fernandez’s insights and expertise will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of Indian boxing.