New Delhi: This week, the women’s national boxing championship is set to kick off in Greater Noida, but it’s overshadowed by a serious internal conflict within the Boxing Federation of India (BFI). Key officials are clashing as the March 28 elections approach. The tournament has already been delayed twice this year, and on Wednesday, BFI president Ajay Singh alleged that some officials are trying to prevent boxers from competing in the championships.

Scheduled from March 21-27 at Gautam Buddha University in Greater Noida, Singh mentioned that BFI secretary general Hemanta Kumar Kalita, who was suspended on Tuesday due to allegations of “financial irregularities” and an ongoing investigation, is pressuring boxers from Assam, including Tokyo Olympics medallist Lovlina Borgohain, to withdraw from the Nationals. Kalita also serves as the secretary of the Assam Amateur Boxing Association.

“Players are being hindered from attending the national championship. Mr. Kalita and certain federations are behind this. Lovlina (Borgohain) even recorded a supportive video saying she would participate, but we recently received a call indicating that Mr. Kalita has advised her not to take part. She has a lot of loyalty to Assam boxing and is now reconsidering her involvement. I truly hope this isn’t the case,” Singh shared with reporters.

The lead-up to the BFI elections has been tumultuous, and the ongoing administrative disputes have affected the women’s championship. Last week, Kalita issued a notice claiming that 18 state associations requested the tournament be postponed due to the short notice of its announcement. In response, BFI president Singh sent out another email confirming that the championship would proceed as planned.

A coach familiar with the situation mentioned that states like Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal, and the Northeastern states of Assam and Tripura are not sending their teams. With some state officials facing declining fortunes in the BFI elections, they’ve chosen to retaliate by pulling out their teams.

“It’s really confusing. There are various letters going around, and boxers are asking us what’s going on,” said a coach who preferred to remain anonymous.

Former international and world champion boxer Sarita Devi described the situation as unfortunate. “It’s really disappointing to see boxers caught up in politics. They shouldn’t have to suffer. They train hard for competitions, and there’s a lot on the line at the Nationals. With important international events on the horizon, they need to focus on their preparation. I remember how tough it was when there was no federation. Now that boxing is thriving and we’re winning medals at world championships, we can’t let this momentum slip away,” Sarita shared with HT.

Sarita, who operates her academy in Imphal, noted that Manipur has sent a six-member team, which includes boxers from her academy.

BFI has shared videos featuring top boxers, including world champions Nikhat Zareen and Nitu Ghanghas, to address concerns regarding the championship's conduct.

Singh mentioned that BFI will cover the costs for boxers who are being prevented from competing by their state units. “I urge all state associations to put aside politics. They have no right to jeopardize the rights and futures of young athletes who have worked tirelessly for the chance to represent their state. The Indian team is selected from the Nationals, so denying them this opportunity is truly shameful,” he stated.

“If any state federation is blocking their boxers or canceling their travel and other arrangements, BFI will ensure that each of these boxers can come and compete. We will take care of their tickets and hotel stays,” Singh added.

Pramod Kumar, secretary of the UP Boxing Association, confirmed that preparations are in full swing. “So far, we have received entries from 22 state units, and we don’t anticipate any more entries in the near future. Our goal is to make sure all state associations are involved and that no boxer is left behind,” he said.

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