Seven top Indian boxers have reportedly tested positive for Covid-19 at the National Institute of Sports (NIS) in Patiala and the number of positive cases in boxing has now reached 17.
Earlier two weeks agao, 10 boxers, including men’s chief coach CA Kuttappa, had returned positive for the virus following which they were isolated.
In March, Tokyo Olympic-bound pugilist Ashish Kumar, who has qualified in men’s 75kg category, had also returned positive during an international competition in Spain.
As of now, the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) has postponed the national selection trials for next month’s Asian meet in New Delhi as many pugilists are recovering.
Significantly, the BFI had conducted selection trials in the women’s category last week in New Delhi.
However, as many as four boxers, including six-time world champion MC Marykom, who have qualified for Tokyo Olympics were exempted from selection trials.