‘Let Courts Decide’: Ajay Singh Prioritizes Olympic Prep Amid BFI Turmoil
BFI President Ajay Singh addresses the legal battle with suspended secretary general Pramod Kumar and emphasizes focus on Olympic preparations.
The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) is currently embroiled in a high-stakes internal power struggle, but President Ajay Singh insists that the chaos must not derail the nation's BFI Olympic preparations. As the dispute moves into the legal arena, Singh has called for the courts to resolve the matter while the federation keeps its eyes on the boxing ring.
Legal Battle and the No-Confidence Motion
The conflict reached a boiling point after the Punjab and Haryana High Court intervened in a dispute involving Secretary General Pramod Kumar. Kumar had attempted to call a Special General Meeting (SGM) to move a no-confidence motion against Ajay Singh. However, the court has directed that this meeting be kept in abeyance until the next hearing scheduled for November 13.
Ajay Singh expressed disappointment that the matter escalated to the judiciary but remained confident in his position. "It's very sad that the matter has reached the court, but if that's they want, let it be that way," Singh stated. He emphasized that the federation's constitution is transparent and believes the court's decision will be in his favor.
Allegations of Financial Impropriety
The friction intensified on October 14 when Ajay Singh suspended Pramod Kumar, citing grave administrative lapses and financial irregularities. The President detailed several specific allegations against the Secretary General:
- Fake Sponsorship Claims: Singh alleged that Kumar presented a letter claiming a broadcaster had offered Rs 2 crore for the World Boxing Cup Finals in Noida. However, when the BFI attempted to collect the funds, the broadcaster reportedly denied ever issuing such a letter.
- Unauthorized Work Orders: It is alleged that Kumar issued a work order amounting to Rs 1.5 crore without seeking the mandatory approvals from the finance committee or the President.
- Event Cancellations: The suspension also followed the cancellation of a national championship in Himachal Pradesh.
Singh clarified that under the BFI constitution, the President has the authority to suspend an office-bearer pending an inquiry, provided it is ratified by the executive committee or general body within three months.
The Fight for Control: 28 State Units?
The dispute took a political turn on October 28, when a faction of the BFI—including Kumar and eight of the 13 executive committee members—met with Union Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khadse. This group claimed to have the support of 28 state units and urged the ministry to intervene over alleged governance failures.
The opposing faction accused Ajay Singh of concentrating all power in his own hands, sidelining elected officials, and undermining democratic processes. They further raised concerns regarding the competition calendar, the BFI constitution, and unpaid allowances for technical officials.
Singh Dismisses the ‘Fake’ Support
Ajay Singh has sharply dismissed the claim that 28 state units support the move against him. He questioned the legitimacy of the people present at the meeting with the Sports Minister, suggesting that the group included journalists posing as representatives, coaches, and members of defunct federations that had previously lost elections.
The Required Process for Removal
Singh challenged his detractors to follow the official constitutional procedure if they wish to remove him from power. He explained the strict requirements for a no-confidence motion:
- Two-thirds of the members must first request a meeting.
- The President then convenes the meeting.
- Three-fourths of the members must vote against the President for him to step down.
"He should follow that process,"Singh remarked, questioning how the Secretary General could unilaterally call a meeting without the legal right to do so.