IOA Forms Ad Hoc Committee To Oversee Boxing Affairs; BFI Calls Decision "Illegal"

After the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) announced its decision to establish an ad hoc committee to oversee the boxing affairs in the country due to ongoing "administrative instability" in the federation, the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) strongly condemned the IOA's decision and called it "illegal." The elections of the BFI were set to be conducted on February 2, however, the elections have not been held. On Monday, the IOA announced its decision to establish an ad hoc committee to oversee the "affairs of the Indian Boxing Federation and ensure the smooth functioning of its activities until the conduct of free and fair elections."

"The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has been closely monitoring the administrative affairs of the Boxing Federation of India (BFI). As per the governing norms, elections to the IBF were to be conducted on or before 02 February 2025. However, despite the prescribed timeline, the elections have not been held, resulting in administrative instability within the federation," IOA President PT Usha said in a letter.

"Furthermore, this office has received numerous complaints from stakeholders, including athletes, coaches, and concerned authorities, regarding the non-participation of Indian boxers in various important National / International events in recent months. This situation is detrimental to the growth and performance of Indian boxing on the global stage and necessitates immediate corrective measures," Usha added.

The ad hoc committee is headed by Madhukant Pathak. Rajesh Bhandari, DP Bhatt, Virendra Singh Thakur and Shiva Thapa are the other members of the panel.

In reply to IOA's decision, BFI released a statement condemning the creation of the ad hoc committee to manage the body's