Boxing Federation India embroiled in leadership crisis as top officials suspend each other

The leadership crisis at the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) deepened on Wednesday with secretary general Pramod Kumar issuing a counter-suspension against president Ajay Singh, escalating a bitter dispute over control of the federation.

Singh had suspended Kumar on Tuesday, citing alleged financial irregularities, non-cooperation with investigations, and misuse of authority pending a formal inquiry. Kumar responded the following day by suspending Singh, claiming the federation president had continued to exercise executive control despite receiving a cease-and-desist notice on October 8. Kumar stated he had the backing of a majority of affiliated state units to move a no-confidence motion against Singh during a Special General Meeting scheduled for October 28.

Singh rejected Kumar's suspension order as "unauthorised and without constitutional basis," arguing that the federation's constitution does not grant the secretary general independent powers to suspend the president. The competing claims of constitutional authority underscore the fundamental disagreement between the two officials over governance structures and procedures within the federation.

The tussle represents a significant governance challenge for Indian boxing, with both leaders claiming legitimacy and support among member units. The planned Special General Meeting on October 28 is expected to determine whether either suspension will hold or if broader structural reforms become necessary to resolve the institutional deadlock.