BFI Chief Urges Olympic Focus Amid Boxing Federation Court Battle

Boxing Federation of India (BFI) president Ajay Singh has said the ongoing dispute within the national federation, which has reached the courts after the suspension of secretary general Pramod Kumar, should not distract Indian boxing from its preparations for the Olympic Games.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed that a Special General Meeting (SGM), called by Kumar to move a no-confidence motion against Singh, be kept in abeyance until the next hearing on November 13.

Kumar was suspended by Singh on October 14 over allegations of financial impropriety and other administrative lapses.

"It's very sad that the matter has reached the court, but if that's they want, let it be that way," Singh told ANI.

"But, we have to focus on the Olympic preparation. We have to focus on boxing. Rest the courts will decide."

"And we are very confident that the courts will decide in our favour, because the constitution is in front of everyone," Singh added.

The dispute intensified on October 28 when a faction of the BFI, claiming the support of 28 state units, met Union Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khadse and sought the ministry's intervention over alleged governance lapses in the federation.

Eight of the 13 BFI executive committee members, including Kumar, were part of the gathering.

The gathering was originally intended to be an SGM to move a no-confidence motion against Ajay Singh.

THE ALLEGATIONS AGAINST SINGH

The faction accused Singh of concentrating powers in his hands, sidelining elected office-bearers and undermining democratic processes.

It also questioned the changes made to the BFI constitution.

The faction raised concerns over grassroots development, the competition calendar and pending allowances for technical officials.

Singh, however, dismissed the claim of support from 28 state units.

He questioned the credentials of those present at the meeting.

"The photo in which he is showing the 28 associations, all the organizations that he has shown, the members that are sitting there, somewhere a journalist is sitting there, he is representing Punjab, somewhere an old federation that lost the election is sitting there," Singh said.

He insisted that any move against him must follow the procedure laid down in the federation's constitution.

THE SUSPENSION OF PRAMOD KUMAR

Singh suspended Kumar on October 14 over allegations of financial impropriety and administrative lapses.

Singh cited alleged irregularities in sponsorship and broadcasting arrangements.

He also cited the cancellation of a national championship in Himachal Pradesh.

Singh alleged Kumar presented a letter claiming a broadcaster had offered ₹2 crore in sponsorship for the World Boxing Cup Finals in Noida.

That broadcaster allegedly denied issuing the letter, according to Singh.

He also alleged Kumar issued a ₹1.5 crore work order without approval from the president or the finance committee.

Singh said the constitution lets the president suspend an office-bearer during an inquiry, subject to ratification within three months.

THE OLYMPIC PICTURE

Singh pointed to the federation's results to show the merits of his tenure as BFI President.

India finished third at last year's World Championships.

The country finished second behind Kazakhstan at the Asian Championships.

India topped the boxing medal table at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.