Sikh boxer can keep beard

TORONTO, JANAURY 11: Canada's amateur boxing association has ruled that it would allow Sikh fighter Pardeep Nagra to enter bouts despite h...

TORONTO, JANAURY 11: Canada’s amateur boxing association has ruled that it would allow Sikh fighter Pardeep Nagra to enter bouts despite having a beard.

“It’s a pretty strong rule… A safety rule that has been in place for many years,” said Hank Summers, president of the Canadian Association.

However, AIBA president Loring Baker is on record as insisting that the rule should be maintained on security grounds.

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Nagra obtained a licence in 1998 to fight in Ontario after pleading discrimination on condition he wore netting over his beard.

However, last month, just days ahead of the Canadian National Championship in British Colombia, the Canadian association banned him from the 48kg bouts for contravening international rules.

Nagra appealed that decision and an Ontario court ruled he should be allowed to fight, only for the association to annul the competition in the 48kg category.

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said the designation gives law enforcement “enhanced powers to combat a group that has instilled fear through violence and intimidation”.

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