Boxing out of delhi games
May 27, 2010
BOXING has been dropped from Uganda’s contingent for the New Delhi Commonwealth Games.
By James Bakama and Samson Opus
BOXING has been dropped from Uganda’s contingent for the New Delhi Commonwealth Games.
Uganda Olympic Committee spokesman Andrew Geno Omalla revealed yesterday that Ugandan pugilists would for the first time in 52 years miss the quadrennial games due to wrangles in the amateur boxing body.
UABF is torn in a dispute with two rival bodies claiming to be the legitimate authorities. One of the factions led by Dr. Ntege Ssengendo is recognised by world body AIBA while the other, headed by Godfrey Nyakana, has the local ministerial endorsement.
“Just like AIBA, the Uganda Olympic Committee doesn’t support wrangling in sports bodies. It’s unfortunate that all this is at the expense of the sport,†noted Omalla shortly before confirming Uganda’s final entry by names.
Uganda’s contingent to the October 3-14 games comprises disciplines of rugby, tennis, table tennis, weightlifting, swimming, archery, athletics, badminton, cycling, squash and shooting.
David Kyambadde, the secretary of the AIBA recognised faction was shocked by the decision. “We are yet to be contacted on the matter. It would have only been fair if we had been consulted.â€
Kyambadde said a team led by AIBA sponsored light flyweight Ronald Serugo has been preparing for the Games. They’ve been training for some time and only need polishing.â€
The Nyakana faction was equally caught off guard. “I am not aware of it. Is that really true?†wondered the group’s secretary Simon Barigo when the news reached him yesterday.
“If that’s the case, it’s a very big loss. Anyway I am not surprised because it is UOC who are blocking us,†added Barigo.
Uganda made a grand entry at the 1958 Games in Cardiff, Wales with light heavyweight Tom Kawere winning silver.
Uganda’s best performance at the event was at the 11th edition in Edinburgh in 1970, where it emerged boxing champions.
BOXING has been dropped from Uganda’s contingent for the New Delhi Commonwealth Games.
Uganda Olympic Committee spokesman Andrew Geno Omalla revealed yesterday that Ugandan pugilists would for the first time in 52 years miss the quadrennial games due to wrangles in the amateur boxing body.
UABF is torn in a dispute with two rival bodies claiming to be the legitimate authorities. One of the factions led by Dr. Ntege Ssengendo is recognised by world body AIBA while the other, headed by Godfrey Nyakana, has the local ministerial endorsement.
“Just like AIBA, the Uganda Olympic Committee doesn’t support wrangling in sports bodies. It’s unfortunate that all this is at the expense of the sport,†noted Omalla shortly before confirming Uganda’s final entry by names.
Uganda’s contingent to the October 3-14 games comprises disciplines of rugby, tennis, table tennis, weightlifting, swimming, archery, athletics, badminton, cycling, squash and shooting.
David Kyambadde, the secretary of the AIBA recognised faction was shocked by the decision. “We are yet to be contacted on the matter. It would have only been fair if we had been consulted.â€
Kyambadde said a team led by AIBA sponsored light flyweight Ronald Serugo has been preparing for the Games. They’ve been training for some time and only need polishing.â€
The Nyakana faction was equally caught off guard. “I am not aware of it. Is that really true?†wondered the group’s secretary Simon Barigo when the news reached him yesterday.
“If that’s the case, it’s a very big loss. Anyway I am not surprised because it is UOC who are blocking us,†added Barigo.
Uganda made a grand entry at the 1958 Games in Cardiff, Wales with light heavyweight Tom Kawere winning silver.
Uganda’s best performance at the event was at the 11th edition in Edinburgh in 1970, where it emerged boxing champions.