GUWAHATI: The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has stepped in to address the administrative crisis within the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) by forming a five-member ad-hoc committee. This move comes after the BFI failed to conduct its elections by the mandated deadline of February 2. The delay stems from a legal case challenging the results of previous BFI elections, creating instability and raising concerns about the future of Indian boxing.
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The ad-hoc committee, chaired by Madhukant Pathak, includes senior boxer Shiva Thapa, Rajesh Bhandari (Vice-Chairman), Dr. D.P. Bhatt, and Virendra Singh Thakur. Their primary responsibilities will be to manage the BFI’s affairs, address grievances from boxers and stakeholders, ensure Indian boxers' participation in upcoming international competitions, and, most importantly, conduct the BFI elections as quickly as possible.
IOA President PT Usha had previously written to the BFI, emphasising the urgency of the situation. She highlighted the negative impact of the election delay on the sport's growth and India's performance on the global stage. The expiration of the current BFI office-bearers' term on February 2, followed by a subsequent standstill, had raised concerns among athletes, coaches, and other stakeholders about potential disruptions to national and international participation.
The ad-hoc committee's mandate includes verifying the credentials of affiliated State Boxing Associations to ensure proper governance. They will also oversee the issuance of election notices, the appointment of a returning officer, and the presence of an independent election observer to guarantee a transparent and fair election process, all in accordance with the BFI’s Constitution and regulatory guidelines. The order establishing the committee is effective immediately, signaling the IOA's intent to swiftly resolve the current issues and pave the way for a stronger and more stable future for Indian boxing.
