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Women’s boxing in India adheres to the rules set by the International Boxing Association (IBA), formerly known as the AIBA. The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) governs the sport domestically, and its rules align with IBA regulations to ensure consistency and fairness. Here are the key rules and regulations for women’s boxing:

Weight Classes

  1. Flyweight: Up to 50 kg
  2. Bantamweight: Up to 54 kg
  3. Featherweight: Up to 57 kg
  4. Lightweight: Up to 60 kg
  5. Light Welterweight: Up to 63 kg
  6. Welterweight: Up to 66 kg
  7. Middleweight: Up to 70 kg
  8. Light Heavyweight: Up to 75 kg
  9. Heavyweight: Up to 81 kg
  10. Super Heavyweight: Over 81 kg

Match Structure

Duration:

  • Amateur Matches: Typically consist of three rounds, each lasting three minutes, with a one-minute break between rounds.
  • Professional Matches: Fights can be longer, with durations varying by promotion and bout type.

Scoring

Scoring System:

  • 10-Point Must System: Judges award 10 points to the winner of each round and a lower score (usually 9 or less) to the loser. The fighter with the higher total score at the end of the match wins.
  • Criteria for Scoring: Effective aggression, clean punching, defense, and ring generalship.

Winning:

  • Knockout (KO): A fighter wins if their opponent is knocked out and cannot continue.
  • Technical Knockout (TKO): A fight is stopped by the referee or doctor if a fighter is unable to continue safely.
  • Decision: If the match goes the distance, the fighter with the higher score from the judges wins.
  • Disqualification: A fighter can be disqualified for severe or repeated fouls.

Equipment

Gloves: Women boxers wear 10-ounce gloves for most weight classes. The specific weight of gloves can vary by competition.

Headgear: In amateur boxing, headgear is mandatory. It is worn to protect the head and face.

Protective Gear:

  • Mouthguard: Required to protect the teeth and gums.
  • Groin Protector: Worn to protect against low blows.
  • Breast Protector: Required for female boxers to protect the chest area.

Ring and Match Rules

Ring Dimensions: The boxing ring is generally 16 to 20 feet on each side.

Bout Conduct:

  • Start of the Round: Fighters start in their respective corners and approach each other upon the referee’s signal.
  • Breaks: Fighters must stop fighting and return to their corners when the referee calls for a break.
  • Clinching: Excessive holding or clinching is discouraged. The referee will break the clinch and instruct the fighters to resume boxing.

Fouls and Penalties

Illegal Techniques:

  • Low Blows: Punches below the beltline.
  • Headbutting: Using the head to strike the opponent.
  • Hitting After the Bell: Punches thrown after the round has ended.
  • Holding and Hitting: Holding the opponent while throwing punches.
  • Rabbit Punches: Strikes to the back of the head or neck.
  • Elbowing and Biting: Any use of elbows or biting is prohibited.

Penalties:

  • Warnings: Given for minor infractions.
  • Point Deduction: Points can be deducted for repeated or serious fouls.
  • Disqualification: For severe or repeated infractions.

Conduct and Discipline

Sportsmanship: Fighters must exhibit good sportsmanship and respect for their opponents, officials, and the rules of the sport.

Anti-Doping: Compliance with anti-doping regulations is mandatory. Fighters are subject to testing, and use of prohibited substances can lead to disqualification and suspension.

Officials

Referee: Oversees the match, enforces rules, ensures safety, and makes decisions regarding fouls and stoppages.

Judges: Score the bout based on the fighters’ performance each round.

Medical Staff: Ensure the health and safety of fighters, and can stop the match if a fighter is deemed unable to continue.

Domestic Competitions

National Championships: Organized by the Boxing Federation of India, including the Senior Women’s National Boxing Championship and various regional tournaments.

Training and Development: The BFI supports training programs, coaching, and development of amateur and professional women boxers in India.

These rules ensure that women’s boxing in India is conducted safely and fairly, promoting the sport’s growth and competitive integrity.