Embarrasment for unmarried women boxers! Indian boxing federation forces them to take pregnancy test

New Delhi, Nov 6: Eight women boxers, including unmarried and junior players, who are set to compete at the World Championships in Korea next week, have been subjected to pregnancy test - which is not required by AIBA or International Boxing Association - by Boxing India (BI), a Sports Authority of India (SAI) consultant has alleged.

Dr PSM Chandran, who is president of Indian Federation of Sports Medicine, alleged the tests were conducted by SAI at the behest of BI.

"These boxers have been compelled to undergo pregnancy tests. They ordered and the SAI followed suit. Pregnancy tests were carried out on eight young unmarried girls, some even juniors, a classic case of human rights violation," Chandran claimed in a press release.

"The shocking thing is that it was done against rules. In the AIBA Technical Rules 2.1.4.2 which came into effect on 31 Aug 2014, there is no provision to subject boxers to pregnancy tests. The rule states 'women boxers must additionally submit a non-pregnancy declaration along with the medical certificate. For women boxers under the age of 18, this non-pregnancy declaration must be signed by at least one of their parents or legal guidance'," Chandran explained.

"The hapless girls in their eagerness to don India colours had no choice but to concede to such barbaric demands by the officialdom against their own dignity and honour."

Chandran demanded that it was time for the National Human Rights Commission as well as the National Commission For Women "to intervene in sports in order to ensure that the rights and dignity of girls who come forward to participate in sports are safe-guarded".
BI secretary Jay Kowli said he was not aware of the matter.

PTI