The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on Monday formed a five -member ad hoc committee to conduct boxing cases in the country as the National Federation failed to hold elections on time.
The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) termed the IOA’s decision ‘illegal’ within a few hours and said it would file a petition in the Delhi High Court to cancel the order. The IOA, headed by former Treasurer of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) Madhukant Pathak, asked the IOA to hold the election of the Indian Boxing Federation (BFI) as soon as possible.
IOA President PT Usha wrote in an office order, “The IOA is closely monitoring the administrative matters of the Indian Boxing Federation. According to the criteria related to operations, BFI elections were to be held on or before February 2, 2025. Despite the scheduled deadline, elections have not been held, resulting in administrative instability within the federation.
He said, “A ad hoc committee is formed to maintain the matters of the Indian Boxing Federation and to ensure the smooth operation of its activities till independent and fair elections in view of the above and the rights contained in the IOA.” ‘
Usha said, “The ad hoc committee will also be responsible for the daily administration of BFI.” The other members of the ad hoc committee are Rajesh Bhandari (Vice President), DP Bhat, boxer Shiv Thapa and Virendra Singh Thakur.
BFI replied within a few hours of the order to set up an ad hoc panel by the IOA. BFI said in a statement, “BFI strongly condemns the formation of ad hoc panel for managing its affairs, calling it a clear attempt to violate the autonomy of the illegal and National Sports Federation (NSF). This has also been told in a letter written by the President of BFI to the President of the IOA.
According to the statement, “BFI will immediately file a petition to cancel this illegal order before the Hon’ble Delhi High Court. It is also appropriate to mention a decision of today in which the Hon’ble Delhi High Court canceled the IOA’s decision to create an ad hoc for the Bihar Olympic Association. ‘
The IOA chief also said that his office has received several complaints from stakeholders including players, coaches and concerned officials about the non-participation of Indian boxers in various important national and international competitions in recent months.
Usha said, “This situation is harmful to the development and performance of Indian boxing on the global stage and requires immediate corrective measures.”
