(FEB 17) Women boxers in Europe
can look forward to FIVE weights at the inaugural European Games
in Baku, Azerbaijan in 2015.
Though no confirmation yet from the sport’s Governing body, AIBA,
WBAN.com understands that for the first time in a major boxing
tournament there will be five and not three weight
classifications in Baku.
These will be: 48-51kg 51-54kg 57-60kg 60-64kg
and 69-75kg
So what are the ‘European Games’? Which sports? Which
organisation will oversee the boxing?
Ireland’s Patrick Hickey, President of the European Olympic
Committees explains:
“The European Games have been talked about for decades. The EOC
has decided that now is the time for Europe to have its
continental Games. So, for the benefit of the athletes of Europe
we are very pleased to welcome everyone to the first European
Games in June of 2015 in the vibrant and beautiful seaside city
of Baku, Azerbaijan. These games will reflect the energy and
unity of Europe and bring new and meaningful competitions to our
athletes as well as bind the European NOCs together with one
common goal.”
A modern port city blending the romance of Europe and the
vibrancy of the East, Baku is a major influence on the region's
culture, industry and sport. The city lies on the eastern coast
of Azerbaijan, which is completely surrounded by the Caspian
Sea, and enjoys a temperate climate. It is the largest city on
the Caspian and in the Caucasus region and is twinned with the
European cities of Naples, Sarajevo, and Izmir.
According to the official website, Baku 2015 will involve around
6000 competitors from the 49 Olympic nations of Europe across 18
sports including Aquatics (Swimming, Diving, Synchronised
Swimming, Water Polo), Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball
3x3, Beach Soccer, Boxing, Canoe Sprint, Cycling, Fencing,
Gymnastics, Judo, Karate, Shooting, Table Tennis, Taekwondo,
Triathlon, Volleyball and Wrestling.
The European Games will be a multi-sport event for athletes from
all of the National Olympic Committees in Europe and will be
held every four years. The Games are owned, co-organized, and
regulated by the European Olympic Committees (EOC). The European
Games were created at the General Assembly of the European
Olympic Committees on December 8, 2012 in Rome, Italy, when an
overwhelming majority of the National Olympic Committee of
Europe voted for the creation of the European Games. At this
General Assembly the right to host the Games was awarded to the
City of Baku, Azerbaijan.
AIBA President Dr C.K.Wu in accepting the E.O.C’s invitation to
include boxing told E.O.C President Hickey:
"It is my great pleasure to inform you that the AIBA Executive
Committee unanimously accepted the request of the European
Olympic Committee to include the sport of boxing in the European
Games Baku 2015 at its Extraordinary Executive Committee Meeting
held in Astana".
"We are pleased to have an opportunity to work with the EOC for
this prestigious event.
"The European Boxing Confederation (EUBC) will be responsible to
manage all future coordination with EOC and the Local Organising
Committee.
"Once again, on behalf of the International Boxing Association,
I would like to convey my sincere appreciation for your kind
support and interest in our sport." Dr Wu concluded.
EUBC President Franco Falcinelli , himself an AIBA
vice-president, will assume responsibility for overseeing the
tournament in conjunction with the Boxing Federation of
Azerbaijan.
Insofar as boxing is concerned, there will be a total of 296
boxers competing of which 80 women and 216 men. 70 women and 196
men will be via Qualification ‘tournament’ places and in
addition Azerbaijan, as hosts will be allocated 10 male, 5
female places in the tournament. Under the “Universality”
heading, which also applied for the XXXth Olympiad in London
there will be a further 10 (m) and 5(f) places allocated. No
National Olympic Committee (N.O.C) may have more than one
competitor per weight division i.e.: 15 in all.
Eligibility:
Age Requirements:
All athletes participating in the Baku 2015 European Games must
be born between 1975-1996
Medical and Anti-Doping Requirements:
To be eligible to participate in the Baku 2015 European Games,
all athletes must satisfy the medical requirements according to
AIBA Medical and Anti-Doping Committee.
In addition, all athletes must comply with anti-doping controls
in accordance with the AIBA and WADA Doping Rules.
Qualification places – Women (70)
Qualification Process:
The EUBC European Women’s Boxing Championships in Bucharest,
Romania 31 May – 8 June 2014 will be the official qualification
event after which a European Ranking will be established and
communicated by 30 June 2014.
If any NOC has more than one athlete in the top 14, the next
best ranked NOC will get the allocation.
Qualification Timetable:
May – June 2014
Women: EUBC European Women Boxing Championships, Bucharest
Romania
30 June 2014
Women: AIBA/EUBC European Boxing Ranking List finalised and
communicated to NOCs/EFs
15 July 2014
Women: NOCs to confirm use of allocated quota places to EUBC.
30 April 2015
EOC to confirm in writing the allocation of Universality Places
to the NOCs
15 May 2015
EUBC to reallocate all unused quota places within 2 weeks of
confirmation date.
The Baku 2015 European Games has been allocated as an “AIBA
Official Ranking” Competition. The boxing will take place in the
Crystal Hall in Baku, which has already hosted major
International events such as the Eurovision Song Contest 2012
and will be further upgraded for 2015
It needs to be stressed that the European Games is still a ‘work
in progress’ and it remains a possibility that some minor
changes may occur between now and the end of this year.
And finally, the European Games logo:
The new logo brings together five
core elements that have shaped Azerbaijan’s ancient and
contemporary culture and aspirations, including Flame; Water;
the mythical Simurgh bird; Carpet, and Pomegranate.
Video clip – courtesy European Olympic Committee (E.O.C)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7DZnlKBolo
Crystal Hall venue for the Boxing :
http://www.baku2015.com/en/venues.aspx
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