Rakhimov urges AIBA to accept ‘ olive branch’

Rakhimov was elected to boxing body’s top post on Saturday despite warnings from the IOC that it would jeopardise the future of boxing at the Olympics.

a statement issued ● Sunday night, Rakhimov said the IOC’s concerns about governance, antidoping and financial management are being addressed.

“As an organisation, we at AIBA have made huge progress. We moved forward in our transparency, our governance, our statutes, our refereeing & judging rules, our antidoping and our finance procedures. I am proud to say that we are compliant across the board,” Rakhimov said.

“We have heard you, we have been listening to you and we have been learning a lot from you. We are committed to continue improving in any area you feel we should improve,” he added.

Rakhimov said the AIBA election during its Congress in Moscow last week was conducted in a transparent manner.

“I hope that you ( the IOC) also view the outcome of the last two days as a confirmation of our commitment to the Olympic Movement and the Olympic values,” he said.

“So, on behalf of the boxers of the world, we are extending to you an olive branch in the name of Olympism. AIBA and the Olympics belong together,” he added.

He defeated defeated Serik Konakbayev and thanked the AIBA members for backing him.

— PTI New Delhi, Nov. 5: Asian Games gold medallist Swapna Barman will receive seven pairs of customised shoes, one each for the different events of Heptathlon, sports giants Adidas announced Monday.

Swapna, who became the first Indian to secure a gold medal in heptathlon at the Asian Games held earlier this year, was born with six toes in both her feet. Her plight was highlighted after she clinched the gold medal at the Jakarta Games.

Over the past two months, Adidas has worked extensively with authorities in India and their own Athlete Services lab at the headquarters in Germany to seek a solution for Swapna, a media release said.

After a detailed foot analysis, the brand has decided to support Swapna by designing customised highperformance footwear and shall be providing her with seven unique pairs, one each for the seven different events of Heptathlon.

“At adidas we believe that ‘ through sport, we have the power to change lives’ and Swapna is a great example of this,” said Sean Van Wyk, Senior Marketing Director, adidas India.

“We are extremely happy to welcome Swapna into the adidas family,” he added.

The customised solutions for Swapna have been crafted keeping in mind size, pressure points and cushioning requirements to provide her the perfect fit, comfort, and traction.

“It’s an honour for any sportsperson to be associated with the adidas family. I realised my dream of winning a gold medal for India, now I am preparing to fulfil

The brand has worked extensively with authorities in India and their own Athlete Services lab at the headquarters in Germany to seek a solution for Swapna.

my next dream of winning an Olympic Gold for India,” Swapna said.

“I am looking forward to train and compete in my new footwear and with the continued support from adidas, I am sure I shall continue improving as an athlete,” she added. — PTI