BFI power struggle deepens ahead of October 28 meeting; Boxing fraternity calls for unity

NEW DELHI: Olympians, award-winning coaches and former international boxers on Saturday called for stability, unity and accountability in Indian boxing, as a power struggle within the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) continued ahead of the Oct 28 meeting to consider a no-confidence motion against president Ajay Singh, who has questioned its legal validity.

The developments come amid a fresh administrative move in Jharkhand, where an ad-hoc committee has been constituted to address issues within the state association and complete its long-pending elections within six months. The committee, comprising N K Nirwan as chairman, Rajesh Kumar Singh as convener and Smita Kumari as member, has been tasked with verifying district associations, ensuring their registration and overseeing the Jharkhand Boxing Association's (JBA) elections. The BFI's one-man committee had flagged concerns, including the absence of duly registered district associations and elections being delayed by seven months.

BFI senior vice-president Rajesh Bhandari questioned the timing of the action. He alleged that the charges were intended to target members opposing the president and participating in the no-confidence meeting. He described the allegations as baseless. The developments come days before the scheduled meeting in Delhi.

At a press conference at the Major Dhyan Chand national stadium here, boxing personalities, including Mohammed Ali Qamar and Manoj Kumar, stressed the need to restore order and ensure that the sport's development did not lose momentum amid the administrative dispute. “Our purpose is neither personal nor political. We seek accountability, institutional unity and a stronger future for the young boxers who aspire to represent India internationally,” the group said. Pramod Kumar, BFI's secretary general, also addressed the gathering, emphasising grassroots development and greater opportunities for athletes. He spoke about introducing under-12 boxing in Uttar Pradesh and organising competitions despite financial constraints.

“I have been a player, and I will always stand in favour of players. I have no personal interest in this. Our focus must remain on the future of Indian boxing,” Kumar said. Kumar has proposed a no-confidence motion against Singh, scheduled to be taken up at the special general meeting (SGM) on Oct 28. He said World Boxing, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the sports ministry had been informed and invited to send observers. World Boxing has reportedly cited time constraints but said it was monitoring developments, according to a PTI report.

Singh had suspended Kumar pending an inquiry into alleged financial irregularities and other issues. Kumar subsequently issued an order suspending Singh, with both sides citing alleged constitutional violations. The boxing fraternity called for dialogue, transparent administration, regular competitions and a clear development plan, urging stakeholders to prioritise athletes and the future of Indian boxing.