Boxing federation meeting focuses on athletes amid leadership row

Hyderabad: Twenty-one of the Boxing Federation of India’s 35 authorised state units participated in a two-day ‘Mission Olympic Podium’ meeting, bringing a majority of its state units together to discuss Indian boxing’s Olympic ambitions and an athlete-first approach.

Representatives of 18 units attended in person, while three joined through video conferencing. The participating units included the ad hoc committees of Mizoram and Jharkhand, along with a player representative from the BFI Athletes Committee.

The participation comes amid the ongoing dispute involving suspended Secretary General Pramod Kumar, with the gathering focusing on the Federation’s sporting programme and coordination with its state units.

“Our responsibility is to the boxers and their future. The participation of a majority of our authorised state units demonstrates their commitment to working together as a federation towards our Olympic ambitions, with athletes at the centre of that effort. The work begins in the states — identifying talent, supporting coaches and creating a clear pathway for boxers to progress, gain competitive exposure and represent India. We must build a system that consistently prepares our boxers to succeed at the highest level,” said BFI President Ajay Singh.

The two-day meeting provided a forum for state representatives to discuss the ‘Mission Olympic Podium’ initiative, with athletes’ perspectives informing the proceedings.

The BFI said its priority remained maintaining institutional stability, strengthening coordination with state units and ensuring that boxers’ development and preparation remained central to its work.