World Boxing Forms Ajay Singh-Led Interim Committee To Oversee BFI Affairs
World Boxing has formed an interim committee to oversee the affairs of the Boxing Federation of India (BFI), following requests from Indian boxing stakeholders outlining concerns regarding the governance of the national body.
In its letter, dated April 7, to BFI chief Ajay Singh, the global boxing body mentioned that World Boxing had received requests from Indian boxing stakeholders seeking stability in Indian boxing and the need for an interim framework that aligns with the statutes and vision of World Boxing.
The interim committee, headed by BFI president Ajay Singh, includes BFI vice president Narender Kumar Nirwan, BFI executive director Arun Malik, and Olympian L. Sarita Devi. One nominee of the National Olympic Committee (IOA) will be nominated in consultation with the president of the IOA. Fairuz, president of the Singapore Boxing Association, will serve as a representative from World Boxing as an observer “to observe and validate the work of the committee.”
The committee will be formed with immediate effect for a period not exceeding 90 days. It will be entrusted with the day-to-day management of BFI’s affairs, ensuring administrative continuity. The committee will also oversee the organization of domestic boxing competitions, including National Championships, in a fair, transparent, and inclusive manner, while taking all necessary steps to ensure participation. It will also manage the selection of Indian boxing teams for international events based on the selection policy in a timely manner and coordinate with SAI, IOA, and relevant national stakeholders to protect the interests of Indian boxing and its athletes. Furthermore, the committee will oversee financial matters, including the operation and management of BFI’s bank accounts, to ensure transparency and discipline.
The interim committee will represent the BFI in all ongoing and future legal proceedings, with the authority to act in the best interests of the Federation. It will also initiate the revision and alignment of the BFI Constitution in line with World Boxing’s statutes and Indian legal requirements and resolve issues related to the registration and legality of the Indian boxing body. The committee will ensure India’s preparedness to host the World Boxing Finals and World Boxing Congress, both of which are important milestones for Indian and World Boxing. Additionally, it will facilitate the conduct of free, fair, and legally compliant elections for the BFI at the earliest feasible opportunity.
In a letter signed by World Boxing president Boris van der Vorst, it was stated, “This interim committee is being formed to provide administrative continuity and safeguard the rights and interests of Indian boxers until elections are held and a new democratic executive committee is elected.”
“World Boxing will work with the interim committee for operational and governance matters pertaining to India and shall extend its support and oversight during the transitional phase. We hope that the situation in Indian boxing can improve quickly with the necessary measures and that India remains a strong partner of World Boxing in the future,” the letter added.
The world body further stated that the interim committee should submit its first report to World Boxing within 30 days of the issuance of the letter, outlining the steps taken, processes adopted, and the roadmap ahead.
