Elite boxer Amit Panghal, two others warned by SAI for indiscipline

NEW DELHI: Three elite men boxers, including 2019 World Championships silver medallist Amit Panghal, have received warning letters from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) for indiscipline and absenteeism from regular training sessions at the SAI-run National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) in Rohtak. The other two boxers are Yashwardhan Singh, reigning Asian youth champion in the men’s 63.5kg category, and Vishal Yadav. According to letters signed by the CEO of NCoE, Rohtak, Sachin K, a copy of which is with TOI, the boxers have been absent from the country’s only high-performance boxing centre for an extended period without notifying either the warden or coaches, missing their training sessions. “It is observed that you are absent without any intimation/leave/approval to hostel warden, the coach or to this office. You are missing regular training sessions without prior intimation and due approval which is a violation of code of conduct for athletes of SAI, NCoE, Rohtak,” the letter stated. “Accordingly, you are hereby issued a warning not to repeat the same. You are directed to report and rejoin your training at NCoE, Rohtak on or before May 20, failing which necessary action can be taken which may also lead to weeding out from NCoE, Rohtak,” the letter added. As a result of his indiscretion, Panghal wasn’t allowed to compete at the recently held inaugural Chief of Army Staff Cup 2025 at the Army Sports Institute in Pune. Panghal, who was a former world No.1 boxer in his weight category, also lost his place in the men’s national camp, which is currently underway at NIS, Patiala. The camp is hosted by TOPS division of SAI for 157 campers, including 121 men and women boxers.