AIBA president Rahimov resigns
Lausanne: World amateur boxing body’s under-fire president Gafur Rakhimov Friday resigned from the top job amid a dispute with the International Olympic Committee, which had threatened to take the sport off the 2020 Olympics roster. Accused of having links to organised crime by the US Treasury department, Rahimov took over as International Boxing Association (AIBA) chief last year despite warnings from the IOC that it would jeopardise boxing’s future at the Olympics. The IOC had threatened to take the sport off the 2020 Tokyo Olympics roster citing “governance issues” in the AIBA – Rahimov at the helm being a key concern for it. In a press release, Rahimov stated, “… given the current situation, I have informed the AIBA Executive Committee of my intent to step aside as AIBA President in accordance with the AIBA Statutes and Bylaws, which allow the President to renounce to exercise his powers and to be replaced by an Interim President.” (PTI)
India lose in AFC U-23 qualifiers
Tashkent (Uzbekistan): India suffered a 0-3 loss at the hands of defending champions Uzbekistan in the AFC U-23 Championship qualifiers here on Friday. Uzbek captain Islomjon Kobilov put the home team in front via a first-half penalty, before second-half substitute Bobir Abdixolikov netted twice in the last 10 minutes to take the game away from the Indians. India managed to create a chance early on as Rahul KP was played through on the flank by Anwar Ali. The Keralite attacker put in a cross, but Daniel could not connect with it in time. However, Uzbekistan started pressing high up the pitch after the initial exchanges, and they got a good chance around the half-hour mark when Alijanov Ilkhomjon was played through inside the six-yard-box by Amonov Azizbek.But Vinit Rai stepped in with a crucial block. Uzbekistan laid the proverbial siege on the Indian third ahead of the half time break, but the visiting team’s defence held on with Anwar Ali making some brave interceptions deep inside the penalty area. Their efforts finally paid off in injury time of the first half when Uzbekistan were awarded a penalty. Captain Kobilov made no mistake, as he slotted it into the bottom corner to put the home side in the lead.The home side came out with more attacking intent in the second half. (PTI)