Boxing Federation’s infighting reaches climax ahead of October 28 SGM

The power struggle within the Boxing Federation of India reached a critical stage on Thursday as rival factions prepared for a Special General Meeting scheduled for October 28. Secretary-General Pramod Kumar intends to depose President Ajay Singh through a no-confidence motion, a bid that requires a two-thirds majority of the federation’s 34 member units. Singh, who has led the organization for ten years, contests the legality of the meeting and claims his own supporters hold the requisite majority. The confrontation follows mutual suspension orders issued last month, leaving the governing body fractured ahead of the vote. The conflict escalated publicly following the recent Asian Games. On October 14, Singh suspended Kumar, citing financial irregularities, non-cooperation with investigations, and misuse of authority. In immediate retaliation, Kumar suspended Singh the next day, stating the move would remain in effect until the no-confidence motion was resolved. Both parties accuse the other of violating the federation’s constitution. The BFI executive previously declared the proposed meeting unconstitutional, arguing that Clause 26(iii) restricts the Secretary-General from convening such assemblies without presidential advice. Singh maintains that state units continue to back his leadership. Kumar asserts that World Boxing, the Indian Olympic Association, and the Ministry of Sports have been invited to observe the proceedings. While World Boxing reportedly noted time constraints, it stated it is monitoring the situation. Kumar expressed confidence that state units will side with him, listing support from leaders in Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, and Madhya Pradesh. He criticized the current administration for lacking strategic direction, describing Singh as an autocrat whose personal word supersedes the constitution. Kumar argued that internal disputes have overshadowed India’s successful performance at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, where boxers secured a combined total of 16 medals, including ten golds. In response to the instability, a group of distinguished figures in the sport, including Dronacharya and Arjuna Award recipients Mohammed Ali Qamar and Manoj Kumar, issued a joint statement. Speaking at a press conference at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi, the group emphasized that their intervention is neither personal nor political. They demanded accountability, institutional unity, and a comprehensive national plan to protect the interests of aspiring athletes. Kumar also addressed the gathering, highlighting his efforts to introduce under-12 boxing in Uttar Pradesh and organize competitions despite budgetary limitations. He pledged his loyalty to the players, stating he had no personal stake in the dispute. Administrative tensions extended to the state level in Jharkhand, where an ad-hoc committee was recently formed to manage the local association. The committee, chaired by N K Nirwan with Rajesh Kumar Singh serving as convener and Smita Kumari as a member, was tasked with verifying district associations and completing delayed elections within six months. The federal body had raised concerns regarding unregistered districts and election delays. However, BFI Senior Vice-President Rajesh Bhandari challenged the timing of this intervention. He alleged that the charges were designed to penalize members who oppose the president and intend to participate in the upcoming no-confidence vote, dismissing the accusations as baseless. Both camps maintain that they possess the necessary voting strength to control the outcome of the October 28 session. The federation’s internal documents indicate that the Secretary-General lacks independent authority to call a special meeting, a point central to Singh’s legal defense. Meanwhile, the broader boxing community urges stakeholders to prioritize dialogue and transparent governance. The focus remains on restoring order so that the sport can develop without further administrative disruption. The final decision on the presidency will hinge on which faction successfully mobilizes the required number of state delegates for the decisive vote.