IOA Forms Ad-Hoc Committee to Manage Indian Boxing Following BFI Issues.

Sports | Dated: 26 Feb 2025

On February 24, 2025, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), based in New Delhi, replaced the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) with an ad-hoc committee following ongoing administrative instability within the federation.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - The ad-hoc committee is chaired by Madhukant Pathak, General Secretary of the Jharkhand Olympic Association, with Rajesh Bhandari, BFI Vice-President (VP), as Vice-Chairman (VC), along with boxing officials Dr. D.P. Bhatt, Virendra Singh Thakur, and boxer Shiva Thapa.
  • - The decision was made because the tenure of the BFI office-bearers, including Ajay Singh as president, ended on February 2, 2025, but elections were not conducted.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) The IOA also cited "numerous complaints" from athletes, coaches, and relevant authorities regarding the non-participation of Indian boxers in several important national and international events, including the lack of medals at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris (France).
  • (ii) The ad-hoc committee will manage the affairs of the BFI and ensure the "smooth functioning of its activities" until free and fair elections are conducted.
  • (iii) The committee will promptly address the grievances raised by the boxing community, ensure athlete participation in upcoming international competitions, and work towards conducting the elections as soon as possible.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Who recently replaced the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) with an ad-hoc committee?

Correct Answer: IOA

🚀 Quick Recap: