BFI President Stresses Olympic Focus Amid Internal Dispute
BFI President Urges Focus on Olympic Preparations
New Delhi [India], November 2: Ajay Singh, the president of the Boxing Federation of India (BFI), has emphasized that the ongoing legal issues within the federation, stemming from the suspension of Secretary General Pramod Kumar, should not hinder preparations for the upcoming Olympic Games. The Punjab and Haryana High Court has ordered that a Special General Meeting (SGM), initiated by Kumar to propose a no-confidence motion against Singh, be postponed until the next hearing on November 13. Kumar was suspended on October 14 due to allegations of financial misconduct and administrative failures.
Details of the Federation Dispute
The conflict escalated on October 28 when a faction within the BFI, claiming to represent 28 state units, approached Union Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khadse, seeking intervention regarding alleged governance issues. Eight out of the 13 members of the BFI executive committee, including Kumar, attended this meeting, which was initially intended to be an SGM for the no-confidence motion against Singh. This faction accused Singh of centralizing power, neglecting elected officials, and undermining democratic processes. They also raised concerns about amendments to the BFI constitution, grassroots development, the competition calendar, and outstanding payments for technical officials.
Ajay Singh Rebuts Allegations and Procedure Concerns
Singh refuted the claims of support from the 28 state units, questioning the legitimacy of the attendees at the meeting. He insisted that any challenge to his position must adhere to the procedures outlined in the federation's constitution. "The individuals he claims represent 28 associations include journalists and members from previous administrations that lost elections. If they wish to pursue a no-confidence motion, they must follow the proper channels," Singh stated.
He elaborated that two-thirds of the members must request a meeting, which he would then convene. For him to be removed, three-fourths of the members must vote against him. "The secretary general does not have the authority to call a meeting unilaterally," Singh added.
Financial Irregularities and Federation Performance
Singh also detailed the reasons for Kumar's suspension, citing alleged financial irregularities concerning sponsorship and broadcasting deals, as well as the cancellation of a national championship in Himachal Pradesh. He claimed that Kumar had presented a letter indicating a broadcaster's offer of Rs 2 crore for the World Boxing Cup Finals in Noida, but the broadcaster later denied issuing such a letter. Additionally, Singh accused Kumar of issuing a work order worth Rs 1.5 crore without the necessary approvals.
"Due to serious allegations against him, I had to suspend him. The federation's constitution allows the president to suspend an office-bearer while an investigation is conducted, pending ratification by the executive committee or general body within three months. If he is innocent, that will be proven," Singh remarked.
Despite the internal strife, Singh affirmed that the federation's main focus remains on the performance of Indian boxers, highlighting the country's record achievements in international competitions. India secured third place at the World Championships last year, second at the Asian Championships, and topped the medal tally at both the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. The Indian team achieved its best-ever performance at the Commonwealth Games, winning seven gold medals and outperforming traditional rivals Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan at the Asian Games.
"When I assumed leadership, we were ranked 44th. Now, we are number one. The results speak for themselves," Singh stated, expressing confidence in India's chances for Olympic medals and asserting that the ongoing dispute should not disrupt boxer preparations.
Singh also welcomed former World Boxing president Boris van der Vorst's visit, who met with Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Singh. Describing the meeting as fruitful, Singh noted that van der Vorst expressed a desire to support Indian boxing as an ambassador for the sport. "Boris acknowledged our status as a boxing powerhouse and emphasized the importance of nurturing the sport. The minister also expressed strong support for the BFI's initiatives," Singh concluded.