In a major step towards strengthening the talent pipeline in Indian boxing, the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) has announced the launch of the inaugural BFI Cup, scheduled to be held in Chennai from October 1 to 7. The tournament aims to identify and promote fresh talent while also serving as a platform for established boxers to assess their preparation.

Designed with an athlete-centric approach, the BFI Cup will feature 10 weight categories each for men and women, with a unique incentive: gold and silver medallists will earn direct entry into the elite national camp, providing a clear and competitive route to the top tier of Indian boxing.

“Indian boxing is undoubtedly on the rise, and the BFI is committed to an athlete-centric approach that is already showing results,” said BFI President Ajay Singh in a media release. “The BFI Cup is another step in that direction, as it will provide young boxers a chance to make their mark and enter national contention. Tournaments like this also give established boxers an opportunity to test their preparation while helping us identify fresh talent.”

Eligibility for the tournament has been carefully structured to ensure a high level of competition. State units or boards that finished in the top eight at the 8th Elite Nationals will be allowed to field one boxer per weight category. Entries will also come from the Sports Authority of India’s National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) in Rohtak and the host state Tamil Nadu.

In addition, the BFI has opened the doors to a wide group of performers including:

• Boxers who participated in the last two Elite National Championships,

• Participants of the 2024 and 2025 Asian Under-22 Championships,

• International medallists since 2022,

• Medal winners from the Goa and Uttarakhand National Games, and

• Standouts from the 6th Youth Nationals.
  

This inclusive yet competitive format is expected to bring together a mix of youth and experience, offering a fertile ground for scouting and development.

As Indian boxing continues to make its presence felt on the international stage, the BFI Cup represents a strategic initiative to institutionalize opportunities for upcoming talent while reinforcing the performance standards at the national level.