(ATR) International Boxing Association (AIBA) presidential candidate Suleyman Mikayilov says despite its current suspension, the embattled sports federation remains in the same corner with the IOC as it prepares for the Tokyo 2020 tournament.
"I personally have all confidence that IOC will manage the Games in Tokyo as they did before, including our boxing competitions," the Azerbaijani AIBA Executive Council member tells Around the Rings. "I highly appreciate and respect the IOC’s determination to hold the Tokyo Games.
"We need to follow this principle as IOC is making every effort to sustain the dreams of all Athletes. We, AIBA, will do the same and do whatever is necessary to protect the rights and benefits of our boxers now and in the future."
Mikayilov notes that despite the suspension, AIBA remains involved in some capacities, including training of officials, assisting boxers and providing advice to the IOC.
"From now until the end of the Tokyo Games, we will concentrate on satisfying IOC in all required areas with actions, not just words," he said.
Mikayilov outlines his strategic game plan to rescue the troubled federation should he win an upcoming election.
"Within two months, I will prepare a "Rebuilding New Future Plan" and present to all National Federations and also share with IOC," says the Azerbaijani sports leader and lawyer. "This plan will also include a plan to clear all financial problems and debts. As we all know, without clearing these debts, our finances will never be healthy.
"To build unity among us, I will launch a committee to reconcile all past and conflicted relationships among members. I believe our organization will not have unity without clearing all past histories on division and conflicts.
"Then, we can focus on changing our organization and sport in all areas as deeply as possible. I will invite all colleagues to have their roles to rebuild the new future, which we will work all together."
Mikayilov believes he has the capacity to resolve differences with the IOC and ultimately facilitate lifting of the current suspension.
"I believe the IOC suspension woke us up and helped us reveal all hidden issues which caused our divisions and the fall in finance which has paralyzed our operation until now," he said. "Since the first suspension in December 2017, almost 3 years has passed with AIBA under suspension.
"We all know exactly what IOC wants and we must demonstrate that we satisfy their demands by our actions until we submit the full report to IOC immediately after the Tokyo 2020 Games."
However, Mikayilov says that the IOC’s suspension is not the single biggest problem facing the federation.
"I believe the single biggest problem is that we are still divided due to personal interests," the Azerbaijani sports leader says. "Unfortunately, people who are taking advantage of the current AIBA situation are still around."
Support for boxers during tough times – their Olympic training hampered by both economics and COVID-19 – remains a priority for Mikayilov.
"Under the suspension, National Federations have also received the funding cut, which has not allowed to support the boxers’ trainings, etc.," Mikayilov explains. "Also, under current Covid-19 situation, the boxers could not have many opportunities to have the real competition experiences as much as they had been given in past.
"If I am elected, I will focus on providing any assistance to boost competition capabilities by supporting their training programs, especially for those who desperately need our help."
Mikayilov and fellow AIBA Executive Council members met via videoconference on Wednesday and confirmed that the upcoming election will be contested at a Congress on December 12-13. Given the current pandemic, the Congress will be held virtually.
The 58-year-old Azerbaijani, who competed for the Soviet Union in his youth and has served as an international referee and judge since 1996, was the first candidate to declare intentions to run for the AIBA presidency last month.
Bienvenido Solano of the Dominican Republic followed as the second candidate for the AIBA presidency last week. Interim president Mohamed Moustahsane has yet to throw his hat in the ring.
Mikayilov believes that better days are ahead after years of turmoil, and despite AIBA’s diminished role for the next Olympic boxing tournament.
"If I am elected, I will lead the world boxing family to support the IOC," he said. "The Olympic Flame of Tokyo 2020 will shine again in July 2021 as AIBA will always be with the Olympic Movement."
Written and reported by Brian Pinelli
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