Current rules within IBA amateur boxing forces all athletes into retirement after 40. The rules affect many athletes around the world who have dedicated their life to amateur boxing. Both men and women are subjected to this archaic rule. 

Changes in training methods, improvements in medical and technology and improved recovery methods allow athletes around the world to compete in the elite level at a much older age. Women, in particular, often seem to be finding their peak at a later age bracket. 

IBA claims to have the best amateur boxers in the world showcasing their talent in major events such as the Olympics, World Championships and Commonwealth Games. However, there is a recent clear example that this ruling prohibits the “best from fighting the best”. 

The 2020 Tokyo Olympics was postponed to 2021 with the Covid epidemic. A female boxer named Mira Potkenin, from Finland, has qualified her position to compete in these Olympics. However, with the change to 2021, it meant that under the ruling she was unable to compete as she turned 41 that year. Thankfully, IBA lifted the rule for this single occasion. Mira went on to claim the bronze medal!! Similarly, the Indian superstar  boxer Mary Kom, was forced to retire despite medaling at every single world championships since 2001!! She still medaled in 2019, but was forced out of competition with any further events because of her age. 

IBA need to address the age discrimination in their current rules. Competition should be performance based not age based. I understand if there’s medical concerns they may like to require a yearly brain scan for all athletes last the age of 40 BUT the ruling should not prevent healthy, willing at elite athletes from representing their country and competing in their chosen sport. 

Please show your support for IBA to reform their age policy.