Will boxing and weightlifting be a part of Paris Olympics?

The Tokyo Olympics has just come to a close. India came up with its best-ever performance, winning seven medals, including weightlifting and boxing.

As the build-up for Paris Olympics would get underway soon, some adverse reports are emerging in. While the International Olympic Committee has given itself some more power to remove a sport from the Games, it could be possible that boxing and weightlifting could not be a part of Paris.

According to a report by AP, the IOC has had prolonged leadership issues with boxing and weightlifting, as its global body is not entirely complying with IOC’s regulations. While the athletes’ quota for both the sports have been cut for Paris, there is a chance that weightlifting could miss out entirely.

The IOC would be making this decision if it “acts in a manner likely to tarnish the reputation of the Olympic movement.” The new rules were presented by John Coates (IOC vice-president), who works closely with Thomas Bach (IOCP president).

As for weightlifting, it has had long-standing problems related to doping, besides having governance and financial issues. Also, boxing was taken out of control of the International Boxing Association this term after it raised concerns regarding the integrity of the bouts at the Rio Olympics.

At the same time, IOC has had problems regarding AIBA's presidential elections. Therefore, it would be reviewing boxing’s performance in Tokyo, besides keeping a close eye on AIBA’s ongoing reforms before deciding whether to reinstate it.

Interestingly, boxing and weightlifting happen to be among the 28 core sports of IOC, while the host city can apply for hosting any other sport outside these 28. As for Tokyo, the sports added were baseball, karate and softball, while climbing, surfing and skateboarding made their debuts. Meanwhile, in Paris, breakdancing is all set to make its debut.

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