Due to delayed elections and complaints of mismanagement within the Boxing Federation of India (BFI), the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has established a five-member Adhoc Committee led by senior boxer Shiva Thapa. The committee aims to address grievances from the boxing community, facilitate athlete participation in international competitions, and expedite the conduct of BFI elections. IOA President PT Usha highlighted the importance of the committee in resolving administrative instability, ensuring neutral operations, and maintaining documented records for audits. The committee is tasked with issuing election notices, verifying affiliated state associations, and appointing an independent election observer.
Due to delays in the elections for the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) and increasing complaints regarding mismanagement, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has established a five-member Adhoc Committee that includes senior boxer Shiva Thapa. This committee will oversee the day-to-day operations of the organization until all outstanding issues are addressed. In addition to Thapa, the committee will consist of administrators Madhukant Pathak, Rajesh Bhandari, Dr. D.P Bhatt, and Virendra Singh Thakur. Their objectives include taking “immediate steps to resolve the grievances raised by the boxing community, facilitating athlete participation in upcoming international competitions, and working toward conducting the IBF elections as soon as possible.”
The IOA noted in its order that the terms of the current BFI officials expired on February 2, but elections were unable to take place due to ongoing legal disputes concerning previous elections where the verdict went against the BFI.
“The IOA has been keeping a close watch on the administrative matters of the Boxing Federation of India (BFI). According to the governing regulations, elections for the IBF were to occur on or before February 2, 2025. Nonetheless, despite this timeline, the elections remain pending, resulting in administrative turmoil within the federation,” wrote IOA president PT Usha in a letter released on Monday.
Usha mentioned that several office-bearers and athletes have contacted the IOA President lodging complaints about the election delays.
“This office has received numerous complaints from stakeholders, including athletes, coaches, and relevant authorities, regarding the absence of Indian boxers in significant National / International events in recent months. This predicament is harmful to the advancement and performance of Indian boxing on the global platform and demands prompt corrective actions,” Usha stated in her directive.
In her directive, Usha clarified, “The Adhoc Committee shall operate in a neutral and independent capacity, ensuring there are no conflicts of interest. All measures taken must be thoroughly documented, and records shall be preserved for audit and review purposes.”
“The Adhoc Committee is tasked with issuing the election notice and establishing a schedule in accordance with BFI’s Constitution and existing regulatory guidelines. Additionally, they will appoint a returning officer and an independent election observer to oversee the election process,” Usha’s letter indicated.
The IOA letter further stated, “The Adhoc Committee will also be responsible for verifying the details of all affiliated State Boxing Associations and providing an accurate list of office-bearers for these associations.”
The IOA announced that the order would be effective immediately.
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