BFI Power Struggle Deepens as Pramod Kumar’s Faction Seeks Ajay Singh’s Ouster at October 28 Meeting

The power struggle within the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) is deepening, reaching a palpable fight between Secretary Ajay Singh and President Pramod Kumar. After a series of allegations and counter-allegations, the members will now resolve the dispute at a Special General House Meeting.

According to a Sportstar report, the national boxing federation will convene on October 28 to decide the leadership dispute. The problem became complicated after Kumar's faction sought to oust the president, Ajay Singh, through a no-confidence motion.

Kumar stated that the international governing body had informed him that it could not send an observer to the meeting but was monitoring the proceedings and would make a decision once they concluded. He added that the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the Sports Ministry had also been invited to depute observers.

"We have been communicating with World Boxing for the last few months. They informed us that they could not send an observer to be present at the meeting on the 28th, but that they were keeping an eye on the outcome of the meeting, following which they would take a decision," Kumar told Sportstar.

Kumar said that the no-confidence motion was being brought about due to "serious member concerns regarding the federation's functioning."

According to a statement issued by the group backing Kumar, the federation had failed to establish effective short- and long-range strategies, hold competitions consistently or ensure openness in its selection procedures.

To secure approval for the proposed resolution against the incumbent leadership, Kumar's camp must obtain backing from at least 22 of the Boxing Federation of India's 33 affiliated state units. The October 28 gathering has emerged as a crucial contest in the struggle for control of the organisation, with rival groups questioning the authority and validity of one another's actions.

The dispute intensified after Singh suspended Kumar on October 13, citing alleged financial misconduct, obstruction of inquiries and abuse of his official position. The directive referred to a broadcasting-related contract reportedly issued without the necessary authorisation, alongside Kumar's alleged lack of cooperation with a probe into the cancellation of a national-level competition. These accusations have yet to be conclusively established, and the suspension was characterised as a temporary administrative step pending further examination.

Singh's order also challenged the proposed confidence vote, alleging that Kumar was seeking to organise a gathering without proper authorisation to undermine the president's position. Separately, Kumar wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing Singh and BFI executive director Col. Arun Malik of threatening behaviour. Malik rejected the charge, describing it as unfounded.

Kumar's supporters have contested the suspension and continued preparations for the scheduled assembly. He further said his group was willing to accommodate representatives from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the Union Sports Ministry. However, he acknowledged that neither organisation had formally confirmed its participation in writing.

"We have corresponded with the ministry and the IOA. We welcome their observers to our meeting, where we will bring forward the no-confidence motion," he said.

He further alleged that the two institutions were not acknowledging the existing BFI administration. According to Kumar, if the resolution receives sufficient backing, the federation's general body would determine who should assume interim leadership until elections take place.

"Our general house will confirm who is the acting president on the 28th," he said. Expressing confidence in the proposed gathering, Kumar referred to communication with World Boxing and questioned Singh's authority if the meeting's outcome received wider institutional acceptance.

"We have got the OK from World Boxing. If World Boxing and the IOA agree with the decision of the meeting, then who is Ajay Singh?" he said. Kumar added that a successful motion would pave the way for a new electoral process.

"We used to do anonymous elections. But once the no-confidence motion is passed, we will conduct fresh elections," he said.

He also criticised the federation's contribution towards athletes' training and competition preparations, arguing that other institutions were bearing much of the financial and logistical responsibility.

Kumar pointed to the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), which provides direct assistance to athletes, and the Sports Authority of India (SAI), which manages national training camps and associated accommodation and meals.

"TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme) is funding athletes directly. The national camps are conducted by SAI (Sports Authority of India. So boarding, lodging, everything is within SAI. There's no role of BFI. BFI is not giving a single paisa," he said.