BFI should follow the National Sports Code for a democratic setup, says Jay Kowli, former BFI secretary general

World Boxing, the global governing body in boxing and the Sports Ministry in separate communications this week have raised the issue of Boxing Federation of India’s (BFI) election and issued directions regarding conduct of BFI polls as early as possible.

However, people in the boxing circle believe that before starting the procedure of fair and transparent elections to elect a new Executive Committee of the BFI, all pending litigations related to BFI elections should be settled amicably.

Jay Kowli, former BFI secretary general was excited to know that the procedure of the fresh elections will start soon, saying having a democratic setup was good for the health of boxing in India, but he was sceptical that fresh elections could be delayed due to pending legal battles related to BFI selections.

“The World Boxing has given a deadline to conduct pending BFI elections before August 31, but several court cases related to BFI elections could delay the procedure,” Kowli added.

The tenure of BFI executive committee ended on Feb 2 earlier this year. However, the BFI has been embroiled in internal turmoil. Elections were called on March 28 but could not completed due to several court cases filed by various BFI state units over election related procedures. Seasoned sports administrator and former sports minister Anurag Thakur had jumped in fray for the post of president. While incumbent president Ajay Singh was heading the other group.

Due to legal issues, returning officer RK Gauba “paused the elections,” as Singh approached courts for clarity. Gauba resigned from his position on April 14. World Boxing, meanwhile, formed an interim committee on April 4 to run BFI administration for a period of 90 days, headed by chairman Ajay Singh, which didn’t go down well with the other group.

The Sports Ministry in its July 5 circular has “urged the IOA (Indian Olympic Association) to devise a mechanism providing a suitable way forward in consultation with the World Boxing to ensure elections of the BFI are held at the earliest in accordance to the National Sports Code and bye laws of the BFI.”

“Boxing is an Olympic sport and BFI is affiliated to IOA. Taking into consideration the larger interest of players, the IOA should take immediate measures for fair and transparent elections of the BFI,” the sports ministry in its communication to the National Olympic Committee stated.

While the World Boxing president Boris van der Vorst has urged the Chairman of Interim Committee, Ajay Singh, to complete the electoral process for the BFI by August 31, even as he extended the tenure of the interim committee so that athletes do not suffer due to administrative uncertainties.”

“The elections of BFI will enable smooth transition to a democratically elected executive body and long-term institutional stability,” World Boxing stated in its July 7 communication to the IOA and Chairman Interim Committee.

Vorst also had a meeting with PT Usha, president IOA recently in Lausanne, Switzerland.

The tenure of the Executive Committee of BFI elected on February 2, 2021 ended on February 2, 2025. As per the National Sports Development Code of India, fresh elections should have been held at least one month before the expiry of the term.

The development of boxing took a backseat as members knocked the doors of the court. The national women’s team missed the inaugural edition of 2025 World Boxing Cup in Brazil as BFI failed to shortlist the team for the competition. Only the men’s team participated in Brazil. Ahead of the World Boxing Championships in England from Sept 4-14, issues of BFI elections have cropped up again.

“Given the upcoming domestic and continental events the Interim Committee should continue to manage the affairs of the boxing to ensure seamless participation of the Indian athletes at all levels,” WB president said in his letter to IOA.