IOA replaces Boxing Federation of India with ad-hoc panel

IOA replaces BFI with ad-hoc committee due to election delay, sparking controversy over legitimacy and due process.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on Monday replaced the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) with an ad-hoc committee as the BFI’s “elections have not been held, resulting in administrative instability within the federation.”

In a quick response, BFI president Ajay Singh wrote to IOA president P.T. Usha, terming the National Olympic Committee’s action as “misconceived, arbitrary and...without following due process” and appealed to withdraw the order immediately.

The IOA highlighted that the BFI had not been able to hold its elections which were to be conducted on or before February 2.

The IOA also cited “numerous complaints” from various stakeholders athletes, coaches and authorities concerned “regarding the non-participation of Indian boxers in various important National/ International events in recent months” as a reason for taking the drastic step.

The IOA formed an ad-hoc body comprising Madhukant Pathak (chairman), BFI vice-president Rajesh Bhandari (vice-chairman), Dr D.P. Bhatt, boxer Shiva Thapа and Virendra Singh Thakur. It entrusted the panel with the responsibilities of running the BFI and overseeing its elections.

Ajay Singh said the BFI was neither given any prior notice nor any opportunity to present its position.

“It remains unclear whether this decision was taken with the due approval of the IOA Executive Committee, further casting doubt on its legitimacy.”