Sports: The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has stepped in to manage the affairs of the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) by appointing a five-member ad-hoc committee, following the federation’s failure to conduct elections within the stipulated deadline of February 2, 2025. The decision, announced by IOA President PT Usha, comes amid growing administrative uncertainty within the BFI.
The newly constituted committee will be chaired by Madhukant Pathak, with Rajesh Bhandari serving as Vice-Chairman. Other members include DP Bhatt, celebrated boxer Shiva Thapa, and Virendra Singh Thakur. The panel has been tasked with overseeing the BFI’s daily operations and ensuring that elections are conducted in a timely manner.
“In light of the prevailing situation and under the authority of the IOA, the ad-hoc committee has been formed to ensure the smooth functioning of the BFI and facilitate free and fair elections,” PT Usha stated in an official letter.
However, the move has been met with resistance from BFI President Ajay Singh, who has called the decision “illegal.” In a letter to PT Usha, Singh alleged that the IOA acted unilaterally without consulting the federation, violating its constitutional framework. The BFI maintains that it had already communicated with the Sports Ministry regarding the election process on February 2.
The formation of the ad-hoc committee marks a significant intervention by the IOA, as it seeks to restore stability within Indian boxing administration ahead of upcoming international competitions.
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