New Delhi: On Tuesday, several boxing officials from various state units convened to call for immediate elections for the executive board of the Boxing Federation of India (BFI).

"The current term of the BFI is set to conclude on February 2, 2025, yet Mr. Ajay Singh has employed numerous strategies to postpone the elections and undermine the BFI constitution," stated Hemanta Kumar Kalita, the BFI secretary general.

He highlighted the directive from the Himachal Pradesh High Court, which instructed the returning officer to establish a new election schedule by April 28, the date set for the next hearing of the case. The court has also requested the Sports Ministry to appoint an observer for the process.

Among those who spoke to the media were BFI treasurer Digvijay Singh and vice presidents ID Nanavati, Anil Boidhar, and Rajesh Bhandari.

"Ajay Singh is managing the federation in a capricious manner, disregarding the BFI Constitution. His tenure has been detrimental, inflicting significant harm on the boxing community. It is astonishing how one individual has monopolized control and adversely affected the sport," remarked Digvijay Singh.

The BFI elections have been "suspended" by returning officer RK Gauba following several court rulings. The Himachal Pradesh High Court has also lifted the disqualification of former sports minister Anurag Thakur from the electoral college, prompting the need for new nominations.

Thakur, who aims to run for the presidency, submitted his nomination through the Himachal Pradesh state unit; however, Singh rejected it, asserting that only elected members are eligible for inclusion in the electoral college.

Interim committee meets

In the meantime, World Boxing has established an interim committee, chaired by Singh, to oversee the operations of the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) until elections are conducted.

Several BFI officials contacted the international organization to update them on the current situation.

The committee convened for its inaugural meeting on Monday.

“The committee made decisions aimed at revitalizing the domestic boxing circuit and reinitiating the elite boxing framework. It was also resolved that the selection of coaches and support personnel for the Elite Men and Women National Coaching Camps will commence immediately,” stated the interim committee.

Additional significant decisions included ensuring the active participation of India’s emerging boxers in the U-15 and U-17 Asian Championships scheduled to take place in Amman, Jordan, starting April 17, 2025, as well as facilitating the smooth execution of the Youth U-19 National Championships.

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