“I need to see what model they’re using and how it works in theory. The important thing is that we select the best boxers so that we don’t miss out on the best boxers,” Nieva said.
“Then you have to see what is practical with all the international calendar going on. You have to see what is considered fair among the boxers or the community and decisions should not be biased. There are a lot of factors to take into account,” he added.
The Boxing Federation of India’s current selection policy states that “based on certain circumstances, BFI may choose between selection trials or evaluation.”
“There are different models and there are different types of competitions where you might use different systems. But it’s way too early for me to speculate. I have no blueprint at the moment. I’m sure that will be one of the first things that we need to tackle before the Commonwealth and Asian Games,” the newly-appointed coach said.
Nieva, who is expected to formally begin his tenure in about a month’s time after completing visa formalities, said he does not intend to make sweeping changes right away given the good run of the boxers.
Indian women boxers have enjoyed a strong run this year, returning with four medals, including two gold from the World Championships.
“I need to come to India to see how things are going. I know that the women are doing really well. So obviously something is being done right. Of course I have my way of working, and I have my previous experience in India. A lot of that I’m sure can be used,” Nieva said.
“But I need to come there and take it step by step. I did that last time I came to India as well. The first two weeks I just observed and saw how things were going and then I implemented some changes which I thought could bring improvements. But not everything at once,” he added.
Nieva, who stepped down as HPD in May 2022 and has since been working with the Australian team, admitted he hasn’t followed the Indian boxers closely enough to fully prepare for the new role, but has kept a reasonable eye on their performances.
“We have been at the same competitions. So obviously, I have seen all of the Indian boxers. Maybe not in every single fight, but at some point I have seen all or most of them,” he said.