BFI Takes a Stand: President Ajay Singh Slams State Federations for Blocking Boxers!
Boxing Showdown: BFI Declares War on Political Interference in National Championships!
BNH NETWORK
BFI President Pledges Full Support Amid Federation Politics
New Delhi, March 19, 2025: Boxing Federation of India (BFI) President Ajay Singh has taken a strong stance against state associations blocking players from the Senior National Championships due to political interference. Singh condemned these actions, calling them a betrayal of the sport and pledging that BFI will cover all expenses for affected athletes to ensure they compete without hindrance.
“If any state federation is stopping their boxers or cancelling their tickets or arrangements, the Boxing Federation of India and I personally will pay for each one of those boxers to come and participate in the Nationals. We will provide them the tickets, the hotels, and whatever else is required. Helpline numbers (7003191553, 9050080068) will be available to them. Boxers can call this number, and we will make the arrangements for them,” Singh declared during a press conference on Wednesday.
Federation Politics Overshadowing Women’s National Championships
With the BFI elections on the horizon, the Elite Women’s Senior National Boxing Championships, scheduled for March 21-27 in Greater Noida, has become embroiled in controversy. The event follows the suspension of BFI General Secretary Hemanta Kumar Kalita and Treasurer Digvijay Singh, who were found guilty of corruption and abuse of power after an inquiry led by Hon'ble Justice Sudhir Kumar Jain.
“I must highlight this, especially for my friends from Assam who are present here—their team is being blocked from attending the national championships. In my view, Mr. Kalita and the Federation in Assam are responsible for this obstruction. We cannot ignore the interests of the players themselves. Politics is one thing—everyone has the right to contest elections and have political differences—but preventing athletes from competing in a national championship is a great disservice to the sport. This is something we must all stand against,” Singh asserted.
BFI’s Commitment to Indian Boxing’s Growth
Singh dismissed allegations of political bias behind the suspensions, affirming that the decision was based strictly on BFI regulations. “On the basis of that report, I have suspended the Secretary General and the Treasurer from their current responsibilities, and it is with the deepest regret that we need to take those actions to restore or maintain the credibility of the Federation that I happen to be president of at this point in time,” he stated.
Highlighting India’s boxing achievements under his leadership, Singh emphasized that India has hosted three world championships and two IBA Congresses, elevating the country’s boxing ranking from 44th to 4th globally. He also noted that his personal contribution of over ₹20 crores has boosted funding for the sport, and all 54 international and domestic tournaments held during his tenure adhered to the highest professional standards.
He further lauded India’s historic performance in the Women’s World Championship in New Delhi, where the nation secured four gold medals. “We have won a record number of medals in all forms of championships. In the last Women’s World Championship, India won four gold medals, which is something we have never done before,” he said, reaffirming his commitment to Indian boxing.
