India, Feb. 24 -- The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) announced the formation of an ad-hoc committee on Monday to oversee the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) due to persistent "administrative instability" within the organization. This decision follows the disappointing performance of Indian boxers, who returned from the Paris Olympics without securing any medals, a situation exacerbated by the contentious departure of foreign coach Bernard Dunne.

The term of the BFI office-bearers, led by president Ajay Singh, concluded on February 2, yet elections have not taken place. Reports have highlighted the administrative deadlock within the BFI and the postponement of the electoral process.

"The IOA has been vigilantly observing the administrative situation of the BFI. According to the governing regulations, elections for the BFI were to be conducted by February 2, 2025. However, the elections have not occurred within the stipulated timeframe, leading to administrative instability in the federation," stated IOA president PT Usha in a letter on Monday, a copy of which is available to HT.

Usha noted that she has received "numerous complaints" from various stakeholders, including athletes, coaches, and officials, regarding the "non-participation" of Indian boxers in several national and international competitions in recent months. The Women's national championships have been postponed on two occasions.

"This situation is harmful to the development and performance of Indian boxing on the international stage and requires immediate corrective action," Usha emphasized.

Ajay Singh, who has served two terms as president, contended that the IOA's decision "lacks any valid legal authority and is a clear breach of due process." The BFI subsequently announced its intention to appeal to the Delhi High Court. Singh asserted that the BFI has been in communication with the Sports Ministry concerning the elections.

"No prior notice was given to the BFI, nor was the federation provided an opportunity to present its case, respond to inquiries, or address any alleged concerns before such an order was issued. This significant procedural oversight renders the order arbitrary and devoid of legal foundation."

He stated that the issuance of this order indicates a clear suggestion of malafide intent. Furthermore, it is uncertain whether this decision received the necessary approval from the IOA Executive Committee, which further undermines its legitimacy.

The ad hoc committee of the IOA will be chaired by Madhukant Pathak, the general secretary of the Jharkhand Olympic Association. Other members of the panel include BFI vice-president Rajesh Bhandari, boxing officials DP Bhatt and Virendra Singh Thakur, as well as boxer Shiva Thapa. This committee is responsible for managing the affairs of the BFI and ensuring the seamless operation of its activities until free and fair elections can be conducted.

The committee has been assigned the urgent task of addressing the concerns raised by the boxing community, facilitating athlete participation in forthcoming international competitions, and expediting the election process.

A BFI official informed HT that various factions have emerged within the organization. Following a meeting in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, where boxing events were held during the recent National Games, 24 state units passed a resolution urging Singh to initiate elections. "When elections were not convened, BFI members reached out to the IOA president last week to address the serious situation," the official stated.

Critics of Singh have highlighted the poor performance of the Indian team at the Paris Olympics and the absence of grassroots competitions, with sub-junior and junior national events not being conducted for four years.

Supporters of Singh argue that a small group is creating "instability" in an attempt to seize control. "A senior official is currently under investigation for alleged financial misconduct related to a talent hunt event. His supporters are causing disruptions," they claimed.

The BFI also referenced a recent ruling from the Delhi High Court regarding the Bihar Olympic Association (BOA). The court annulled the IOA's decision to appoint an ad hoc panel to oversee the BOA, acknowledging the state unit's assertion that elections would be held within three months.

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