Boris van der Vorst Supports BFI Leadership for Indian Boxing's Future

Boris van der Vorst, the former World Boxing president, has voiced his support for Ajay Singh's leadership of the Boxing Federation of India (BFI). He emphasizes the necessity of stability and continuity for Indian boxing to thrive, especially in light of recent achievements. Van der Vorst highlights the importance of prioritizing athletes' interests and calls for broader financial support to enhance the sport's development. He expresses optimism about India's grassroots boxing scene and its potential for success at the upcoming Los Angeles Olympics. His remarks come amid ongoing discussions about the BFI's internal dynamics and leadership.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 2, 2026, 23:36 IST

Boris van der Vorst Backs BFI Leadership

Boris van der Vorst, the former president of the World Boxing organization, has expressed his support for Ajay Singh, the president of the Boxing Federation of India (BFI). Amidst reports of internal disagreements within the federation, van der Vorst emphasized the importance of stability and continuity for Indian boxing to capitalize on its recent successes. He commended Singh and BFI CEO Arun Malik for their efforts in sending large teams to international events and fostering an environment conducive to athletes' success.

Importance of Athlete Interests

When asked about the potential impact of the reported rifts between the federation's president and secretary on Indian boxers' progress, van der Vorst underscored that the welfare of the athletes should always take precedence. He stated, "The primary focus must always be on the boxers' interests. Stability is essential for the sport, and both President Singh and CEO Arun Malik have done commendable work for Indian boxing by facilitating participation in competitions and establishing a supportive ecosystem for success. With the historic medal achievements in the Commonwealth and Asian Games, it is crucial to maintain this leadership for the benefit of the boxers."

Leadership and Investment in Boxing

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Optimism for Future Success

Van der Vorst expressed confidence in India's potential to secure a significant number of medals at the Los Angeles Olympics, highlighting the unique dedication and training of grassroots boxers. His comments come at a time when discussions regarding the BFI's leadership and operations are ongoing, with an emphasis on the need for stability and broader financial backing to ensure the sport's continued growth.