BFI headed for showdown: Secretary general calls SGM to move no-confidence motion against federation chief | Off the field News
NEW DELHI: The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) is headed for a showdown, with secretary general Pramod Kumar convening a Special General Meeting (SGM) on Oct 24 to move a no-confidence motion against president Ajay Singh, even as Singh said the federation’s priority must remain the preparation of its boxers for the Los Angeles Olympics.The notice, issued to affiliated state units, lists alleged unilateral decision-making, unauthorised constitutional amendments, intimidation of state associations, financial irregularities, administrative overreach and conflicts with elected office-bearers among the grounds for the motion. TOI has a copy of the motion. It has been learnt that 28 of BFI’s 35 state member units are signatories to the no-confidence motion.Kumar has also issued a cease-and-desist notice to BFI executive director Col Arun Malik, asking him to stop acting at Singh’s behest or authority, particularly in matters falling within the secretary general’s constitutional domain. Malik has also been asked to stop accessing or using the secretary general’s official email account without authorisation. Kumar warned of legal action if the alleged conduct continues.Singh, however, responded strongly and sought to shift the focus to the athletes. “Our focus must remain on our boxers and their preparation for the Olympics. BFI will do everything within its power to give them the support and conditions they need to succeed. We will take the strongest possible action against any attempt to disrupt their preparation or hinder the progress of Indian boxing,” he said.A key point of contention is the constitutional provision governing an SGM. The BFI constitution currently available on its website states that an SGM may be called by the president or upon a request from two-thirds of the Executive Committee, with the meeting to be convened within 30 days of such a request.The rival camp, however, has cited another BFI constitution, which it says is government-approved. It states that an SGM shall be convened by the secretary general on receiving a written requisition from the president or at least 15 members, or on the direction of the Executive Council, with the meeting to be held 20-30 days after receipt of the requisition.The Singh camp has maintained that the latter is an old constitution that no longer exists or has any bearing, and that the version currently on the BFI website is the operative constitution approved by World Boxing.
