IOA’s move to oversee BFI challenged over legitimacy

The Indian Olympic Association’s (IOA) move to appoint an ad-hoc committee to oversee the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) has been strongly opposed by its Treasurer and Dispute and Affiliation Committee member, Sahdev Yadav.

On Monday, the IOA set up a five-member ad-hoc committee, led by Madhukant Pathak, after the BFI failed to hold its elections by the February 2, 2025 deadline. IOA president PT Usha, in a letter to the federation, stated that the delayed elections had led to “administrative instability,” necessitating intervention. The panel, which includes vice-chairman Rajesh Bhandari, DP Bhatt, boxer Shiva Thapa, and Virendra Singh Thakur, has been tasked with conducting elections and managing the federation’s daily affairs.

However, Yadav, in a strongly worded letter to Usha, termed the decision “arbitrary and without due authority.” He asserted that no discussions on this matter were held within the IOA Executive Committee (EC), making the appointment a unilateral move by the president.

“The issuance of this office order creates an impression that the decision has been taken by the IOA, whereas, in reality, it is your personal decision,” Yadav wrote. He further emphasised that National Sports Federations (NSFs) are autonomous bodies and that the IOA does not have the authority to interfere in their internal governance.

Yadav also warned that if legal disputes arise from this decision, the IOA should not be held responsible for any litigation expenses, as the decision was made without EC consultation. Calling for an immediate withdrawal of the order, he maintained that the move lacked constitutional validity.

As the dispute unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the IOA will reconsider its stance or if the matter will escalate further.