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Boxer Nagra's Legal Fights Mount

A P Kamath

In the 10 years he has been boxing, Pradeep Singh Nagra, a flyweight champion, says he has not hurt anyone, and that his beard, which is covered with a net, has not bothered his opponents. But to prove that he is entitled to have his beard and full-grown hair when he boxes, 29-year-old Nagra appealed to Canadian courts from time to time to protect his religious rights.

This week the Ontario Superior Court said he could participate without or with his beard in the Canadian Amateur Boxing Association's tournament in Snakeriver, British Columbia. But within a few hours of the verdict, the CABA canceled the event, saying it needed time to study the issue, and weigh the chances for an appeal.

"We are not saying he is out of the window," CABA's Hank Somers said, adding that his association was not trying to abridge Nagra's religious and human rights. The International Amateur Boxing Association, Somers said, also barred facial hair, and if CABA allowed a bearded Nagra compete and possibly win, IABA might have penalized CABA. The violation of the rule could have cost CABA members Olympic opportunities, he said. Asked by a reporter how facial hair could cause a problem, Somers said it could get into the eyes of opponents.

The World Sikh Council, which has backed Nagra's fight with several Canadian boxing associations to wear a turban and beard, said this week it was concerned with CABA's decision. What happened to Nagra is not a matter for just Sikh Canadians, it said in a statement. "It is a matter for all Canadians." The implication was that multiculturalism and religious freedom was at stake.

Nagra had won a court battle in Ontario against another boxing organization over 18 months ago. He was backed then by the Human Rights Commission.

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