‘Put boxers first’: Former World Boxing boss’ message to warring BFI factions

Left to right: Boxing Federation of India’s Ajay Singh, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and former World Boxing boss Boris van der Vorst. (photo by special arrangement) New Delhi: Former World Boxing president Boris van der Vorst has urged Indian boxing administrators to put aside their differences and ensure stability within the Boxing Federation of India (BFI), warning that the sport cannot afford organizational uncertainty with a greater focus on the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.With Indian boxing enjoying a successful run on the international stage – winning 7 medals at the Commonwealth Games and 6 at the Asian Games – van der Vorst believes the priority should be to protect the progress made, rather than let administrative disagreements affect the sport’s preparations for the next Olympic cycle.In an exclusive interaction with TimesofIndia.com, the former World Boxing boss said that the Indian boxing leadership must rally behind the current administration of President Ajay Singh, putting the interests of the athletes ahead of everything else.“Everyone now needs to focus on this mission on the Olympic stage. That is what everyone needs to come together, work together and ensure that there is stability and continuity for Indian boxing,” van der Vorst told TimesofIndia.com.The crisis has been brewing since October 8, when BFI general secretary Pramod Kumar issued a notice seeking a no-confidence motion against Singh. The motion cited alleged unilateral decision-making, unauthorized constitutional changes, intimidation of state associations, financial irregularities and administrative overreach. Kumar’s faction further claimed that 28 of the federation’s 35 affiliates supported the move. However, Singh’s camp questioned the legality of the proposed meeting, arguing that the process was not in accordance with the federation’s constitution.The dispute escalated when Singh and Kumar suspended each other. Singh has alleged financial irregularities, non-cooperation in investigations and abuse of power in his case against Pramod Kumar. The Secretary General subsequently issued an order to suspend the President pending the outcome of the motion of no confidence. Both sides accused each other of violating the BFI constitution.

BFI boss Ajay Singh (right) with former world boxing boss Boris van der Vorst.

The proposed October 28 special general meeting (SGM) was subsequently stayed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court till November 13 on an application filed by Singh.This did not stop the opposition from making its presence felt. On 28 October, representatives claiming support from 28 of the BFI’s 35 affiliates and eight of its 13 executive committee members met Sports Minister Raksha Khadse and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) CEO Raghuram Iyer. The faction submitted a memorandum alleging governance failure and demanding intervention, including the creation of an independent ad-hoc committee and fresh elections.In this context, van der Vorst believes the focus needs to shift back to the athletes and the opportunities ahead. He thanked Ajay Singh and BFI Executive Director Col. Arun Malik for the progress made by Indian boxing and pointed to the investment in a high-performance program and exposure to boxers through international competitions.“I think the most important thing under the current leadership is to take good care of the raw talent and diamonds that have been available for many years,” he said.Recalling his early visits to India, van der Vorst said he recognized the potential of the local gyms and believed the country could become a boxing powerhouse if the talent was nurtured properly.He pointed to the depth India now has across the weight classes, with three or four boxers capable of competing at the highest level in several divisions.“Obviously you have to thank the current president Ajay Singh for doing that and also the great team of Col. Arun Malik who nurtured talent in a high performing cadre,” he said.With the Los Angeles Olympics less than two years away and the qualification journey looming, van der Vorst said Indian boxing needs continuity in its preparations.“It is now the responsibility of all boxing leaders here in India to look in the mirror and say how we can contribute to this important mission and support the leadership of Ajay Singh and Col Arun Malik,” he said.“By putting the interests of the boxers first, you are making sure that the current management can do its job,” he said.