BFI Crisis: 27 State Units Demand Removal of President Ajay Singh
Boxing Federation of India officials and 27 state units call for reforms and the removal of President Ajay Singh over claims of centralized power.
The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) is facing a massive internal rebellion as office-bearers and representatives from 27 state units have come together to demand the removal of BFI President Ajay Singh. In a high-stakes meeting held at The Suryaa Hotel in New Delhi, the group called for an urgent overhaul of the federation's functioning, citing a desperate need for transparency, accountability, and a shift away from centralized power.
Allegations of a 'One-Man Organisation'
The unrest peaked during a press conference where critics painted a grim picture of the current administration. BFI General Secretary Pramod Kumar did not mince words, alleging that the federation has effectively transformed into a “one-man organisation.” He emphasized that the decision-making process has become isolated, leaving state associations with little to no influence over key policies.
Echoing these sentiments, Digvijay Singh of the Madhya Pradesh Boxing State Association highlighted the lack of accessibility to the leadership. He claimed that representatives often face grueling waits just to secure a meeting with the BFI president, reflecting a disconnect between the top brass and the grassroots administrators.
The Scale of the Rebellion
The movement against Ajay Singh has gained significant momentum, drawing support from a vast majority of the boxing ecosystem. The meeting in New Delhi saw participation from:
- 27 State Units: Including key associations from Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Goa, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Odisha, and Jharkhand.
- Executive Committee: 8 out of 13 executive committee members backed the call for the president's removal.
Fear of Retaliation and Political Ambitions
The atmosphere within the BFI is reportedly tense. Rohit Jainendra Jain, Vice-President of the Delhi Amateur Boxing Association (DABA), alleged that the leadership employs a culture of intimidation. According to Jain, anyone who dares to disagree with the president is met with accusations and swift removal from their positions.
When questioned about his own aspirations, Jain confirmed his willingness to contest BFI elections in the future. However, he clarified that the immediate priority is not personal power but to “free BFI from Ajay Singh's control” to safeguard the future of Indian boxing.
Legal Constraints and Next Steps
Despite the intensity of the protests, the group is treading carefully regarding legal procedures. BFI interim vice-president Rajesh Bhandari explained that they intentionally avoided calling a Special General Meeting (SGM) on October 28 and refrained from filing a no-confidence motion out of respect for the ongoing judicial process.
The delegation has already taken the following steps to seek intervention:
- Submitted a formal memorandum to the Union Sports Minister.
- Approached PT Usha, the President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), to highlight the administrative failures.
The group has stated that they will remain committed to improving the BFI but will wait for the court's ruling, scheduled for November 13, 2026, before deciding on their subsequent course of action.
"Our immediate fight is to free BFI from Ajay Singh's control and safeguard the interests of Indian boxing." — Rohit Jainendra Jain, VP, DABA