BFI President Ajay Singh Suspends Secretary General Pramod Kumar Over Financial Irregularity Allegations

New Delhi, October 14: The power struggle within the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) has taken a fresh turn, with president Ajay Singh suspending secretary general Pramod Kumar with immediate effect pending an inquiry into alleged financial irregularities, non-cooperation with investigations and misuse of authority.

The interim suspension, issued on Tuesday, comes amid an escalating dispute between the federation's top officials, with allegations of financial discrepancies and a proposed no-confidence motion against Singh adding to the turmoil within Indian boxing's governing body.

In the suspension order, Singh cited several grounds for action against Kumar, including an alleged unauthorised broadcasting arrangement, questions over financial commitments linked to an international boxing event, and his handling of an inquiry into the cancellation of a national championship.

The order clarified that the suspension was an interim measure and should not be treated as a final determination of the allegations.

Broadcasting Deal Under Scrutiny

One of the principal issues highlighted in the order concerns a claim of approximately Rs 1.5 crore made by Pinnacle Broadcast Productions for broadcasting services provided at the World Boxing Finals Cup held in Greater Noida in November 2025.

According to Singh, Kumar had earlier represented that Pinnacle had committed Rs 2 crore towards sponsorship and broadcasting for the event. However, the company has reportedly denied making any such commitment, prompting questions over the authenticity of the communication attributed to it.

The BFI president also alleged that a work order bearing Kumar's signature had been issued without the required approval from the federation's finance committee.
These allegations form a key part of the inquiry into the secretary general's conduct. Kumar's response to the specific allegations in the suspension order was not included in the material available.

Inquiry Into Championship Cancellation

The suspension order also referred to the cancellation of the BFI Elite Men and Women Open Boxing Championship, which was scheduled to take place in Nahan, Himachal Pradesh, from August 16 to 23.

An inquiry committee was constituted on August 17 to examine the circumstances surrounding the cancellation. Singh alleged that Kumar repeatedly sought additional time and failed to respond to notices and specific questions raised by the committee.
The president cited this alleged lack of cooperation as another reason for placing the secretary general under suspension.

No-Confidence Motion Adds to Federation Tensions

The disciplinary action comes against the backdrop of a widening confrontation over the leadership of the federation.

Last week, Kumar called for a Special General Meeting (SGM) on October 28, claiming to have the support of a majority of affiliated state units to move a no-confidence motion against Singh.

The president's order alleged that Kumar had no authority under the BFI Constitution to convene such a meeting unilaterally or issue notices against senior federation officials without the necessary approvals.

Singh also accused Kumar of issuing cease-and-desist notices and show-cause notices against senior officials while allegedly encouraging federation employees to disregard the president's authority.

The dispute spilled beyond the federation on Monday, when Kumar wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing Singh and BFI executive director Col. Arun Malik of criminal intimidation in an attempt to derail the proposed no-confidence motion. Malik dismissed the allegation as baseless.

What the Suspension Means?

Under the suspension order, Kumar has been directed to stop exercising the functions of secretary general, issuing communications on behalf of the federation and accessing official records relevant to the inquiry.

Singh warned that any attempt to obstruct the investigation, misuse the federation's authority or interfere with the proceedings could invite further disciplinary action under the BFI Constitution and applicable regulations.

The order, however, makes clear that the allegations remain subject to inquiry and that the interim suspension does not amount to a final finding against Kumar.

As the October 28 meeting approaches, the confrontation raises questions about the federation's internal governance and the resolution of competing claims over its administration. With the president citing financial and procedural concerns, and the secretary general challenging the leadership through a proposed no-confidence motion, the coming days could prove crucial for the BFI.

For Indian boxing, the immediate challenge will be to ensure that the dispute over the federation's leadership does not overshadow the sport's preparations and development at a critical time.

With inputs from the PTI