Two boxers in action during a past Olympic Games. Supplied
Buy Sophoan, president of the Cambodian Boxing Federation (CBF), has hailed the decision to reinstate boxing at the Olympic Games, calling it a major step forward for the sport of world, or western boxing.
He believed the move provides hope for boxing federations worldwide, including Cambodia, as they seek domestic and international support to further develop the sport.
His comments follow the March 20 decision by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), to reintegrate the sport into the Olympic Games, made during the IOC General Assembly in Greece.
The means boxing will be included in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, the US.
The decision came after the IOC formally recognised “World Boxing” as the sport’s governing body. It replaces the International Boxing Association (IBA), which was expelled from the IOC in 2024 due to irregularities in financial management and competition organisation, dating back to the 2016 Olympics.
The CBF views this as an opportunity for all boxing organisations worldwide to reinvigorate the sport and compete at the highest level in the Olympic Games.
“The reinstatement of World Boxing in the Olympics is hugely significant for all national boxing federations. Competing in the Olympics is the ultimate dream for athletes around the world, providing them with a chance to participate and win medals in the most prestigious global sporting event,” said Sophoan.
He emphasised that the 2028 Olympic inclusion will bring benefits to national boxing federations, as it will ensure greater support from the sporting authorities in each country.
Additionally, it will attract international backing.
Regarding the situation in Cambodia, Sophoan highlighted the advantages of aligning with Olympic regulations.
“By structuring ourselves as an Olympic boxing federation, we gain priority support from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports as well as the Cambodian National Olympic Committee (NOCC),” he said.
He noted that international federations provide direct assistance to national federations, with funding from the IOC allocated to support the global development of boxing.
“This is a key strategy for promoting and strengthening Olympic sports worldwide,” he added.
Finally, Sophoan stressed that it is crucial for national federations to actively promote and develop boxing within their respective countries.
He encouraged efforts to attract both professional and amateur boxers to enhance the sport’s quality and growth on a global scale.
