IOA appoints ad-hoc committee to run Indian boxing after BFI fails to conduct elections

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on Monday announced the formation of an ad hoc committee to run Indian boxing after the Boxing Federation of India (BFl) failed to carry out its elections, which were to be held on or before February 2 this year.

“An Adhoc Committee is hereby constituted to oversee the affairs of the Indian Boxing Federation and ensure the smooth functioning of its activities until the conduct of free and fair elections,” read a press release by the IOA.

“The committee shall take immediate steps to address the grievances raised by the boxing community, facilitate athlete participation in upcoming international competitions, and work towards conducting the IBF elections at the earliest.”

Players haven’t been sent to major competitions, particularly the Strandja Memorial International Boxing Tournament which began today, which is the highest profile competition post the Olympics and World Boxing Championships.

Amit Panghal had also said that since he didn’t see any future with tournaments, he made the decision to turn pro.

The IOA also revealed the composition of the Adhoc Committee with Madhukant Pathak acting as the Chairman and Rajesh Bhandari as the vice chairman while Dr. DP Bhatt, Shiva Thapa and Virendra Singh Thakur serve as members.