Boxing Incident Investigation: What Went Wrong?

A former commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces’ Land Force, Pita Driti, has been appointed to a three-member investigative team looking into a boxing incident at Prince Charles Park in Nadi. Joining Driti are Philip Heneriko, the director of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and Adi Narayan, chairman of the Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF). Their task is to interview all parties involved in the incident, which has raised serious concerns after featherweight boxer Umbayd Haider suffered critical injuries and underwent head surgery following a match.

The team has been granted a 30-day period to complete their investigation, as announced by Narayan during a press conference in Suva. Narayan has indicated that the investigative team’s Terms of Reference (TOR) have been finalized after discussions with the Minister for Youth and Sports, Jese Saukuru, who is currently traveling overseas.

Haider collapsed in the ring after losing a fight against Australia’s Runqi Zhou by technical knockout in the ninth round for the IBO Asia Pacific title. The match was officially sanctioned by both the IBO and the BCF. The team will be conducting interviews with key personnel involved, including the IBO fight commissioner, the referee, and the judges, ensuring that all aspects of the event are thoroughly examined, including the licensing of the corner staff.

Additionally, the investigation will probe why drug testing protocols for the boxers post-fight were not adhered to, a significant point in ensuring the health and safety of athletes.

This inquiry exemplifies a proactive approach to maintaining safety and regulatory compliance in sports, ensuring that incidents like these can be minimized in the future. The rigorous investigation might lead to improvements in safety measures and regulations, fostering a safer environment for athletes in Fiji.

Summary: An investigative team, including former military commander Pita Driti, has been formed to look into a severe boxing incident where boxer Umbayd Haider collapsed after a match. The team has 30 days to conduct interviews and examine safety and regulatory measures to ensure such incidents are reduced in the future.