Support Grows for Pramod Kumar Amid Concerns Over Boxing Federation Leadership
Olympians and Coaches Rally Behind Pramod Kumar
A coalition of Olympians, Arjuna Awardees, Dronacharya Awardees, distinguished coaches, former international boxers, and notable sports figures have united in their support for Pramod Kumar. They voiced their concerns regarding the leadership and operational direction of the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) under President Ajay Singh. This gathering took place during a press conference at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium on Saturday, where they shared their insights with the media.
Challenges and Vision for Grassroots Development
During the press conference in New Delhi, Pramod Kumar discussed the administrative hurdles he has encountered as secretary. He emphasized his commitment to enhancing grassroots boxing and ensuring that athletes and seasoned sports professionals have a significant voice in the sport's governance. "My focus is solely on the future of boxing in India, not personal interests," Pramod stated, as noted in a press release.
He expressed frustration over communication barriers with the BFI President, citing unaddressed issues despite numerous emails and requests for meetings. Additionally, he raised concerns about the lack of sponsorship for boxing events while acknowledging the support from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the government in aiding athletes and organizing competitions.
Pramod highlighted his dedication to grassroots initiatives, including the introduction of under-12 boxing in Uttar Pradesh and the registration of young boxers. Drawing from his past experience in athletics, he referenced his role in identifying Neeraj Chopra at a young age, underscoring the importance of early talent recognition and structured opportunities. "Without grassroots efforts and organized championships, boxing cannot progress. We need the right foundation to produce champions," he remarked.
Calls for Reform and Accountability in Boxing
The boxing community has called for a comprehensive, measurable, and time-sensitive development strategy that encompasses grassroots programs, district and state competitions, national championships, talent scouting, coaching, sports science, and international preparation. They stressed the necessity for regular national championships that are well-organized and planned ahead, particularly for Sub-Junior and Junior boxers. The BFI should also publish an annual competition calendar and ensure the transparent appointment of referees, judges, and technical officials based on their qualifications and experience.
Moreover, the boxing fraternity demanded clear, published, and consistent selection criteria for national camps and international events. The process for appointing national coaches and engaging foreign coaches should be transparent and prioritize the interests of Indian boxing. An effective accountability and grievance-redressal mechanism is essential to protect deserving athletes and maintain trust in selection processes.
Empowering Indian Coaches
The assembly highlighted the importance of recognizing Indian coaches, many of whom have produced world champions and received prestigious awards. Their expertise should be central to national camps, talent development programs, and international assignments. Foreign coaches should complement rather than overshadow Indian coaching talent. Opportunities for Indian coaches to participate in international coaching commissions and seminars should also be prioritized.
The BFI is urged to implement ongoing professional development programs for coaches, referees, judges, and technical officials. Regular seminars, technical clinics, and workshops should address international rules, modern training techniques, injury prevention, athlete welfare, and performance analysis.
Unity and Governance in Boxing
The boxing community acknowledged the contributions of senior figures, including Brig. D. N. Devine Jones, Ashok Mattoo, A. P. G. D. Adajania, Rajesh Bhandari, and Brig. Muralidharan, along with other coaches and officials. They emphasized the need for meaningful consultation with experienced coaches, awardees, former champions, and senior administrators in policy and development planning.
A significant concern raised was the lack of unity within the boxing community. Pramod noted that divisions among associations have weakened collective efforts and urged stakeholders to voice their concerns when decisions negatively impact the sport. "We need to address the lack of unity in our association. Everyone involved must come forward when something is wrong," he stated.
The boxing fraternity insisted that the BFI President must foster unity among stakeholders, build trust, and resolve conflicts through dialogue and collaborative decision-making. State associations, coaches, former champions, and senior sports figures should be treated as partners. The Federation must uphold transparent, democratic, and professional governance, ensuring accountability in competitions, team selections, appointments, resource management, and development programs.
Future of Indian Boxing
The boxing community called for a fair consideration of the No-Confidence Motion against Ajay Singh at the upcoming Special General House Meeting on October 28, 2026, in New Delhi, adhering to the relevant constitutional rules. All authorized members should be allowed to participate and express their opinions freely, without intimidation.
Pramod emphasized the potential for Indian boxing to enhance its international medal tally through meaningful reforms and collective support. "We have the potential to win many more medals. If we reform the system and everyone contributes, we can create better opportunities for our boxers and elevate Indian boxing on the global stage," he asserted.
The boxing fraternity appealed to the Prime Minister of India and the Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports to take note of their concerns. They urged the Ministry, the Indian Olympic Association, and World Boxing to support impartial evaluations, promote transparent governance, and facilitate necessary corrective actions. They stressed the need for an inclusive approach, a clear development roadmap, regular competitions, fair selection processes, respected coaches, and accountable leadership, opposing favoritism and practices that undermine transparency and fairness.