Factionalism resurfaces at Boxing Federation of India after Asian Games

KALYANI — On October 8, shortly after India's boxers won six medals, including three gold, at the Asian Games, Boxing Federation of India secretary-general Pramod Kumar moved a "no-confidence motion" against president Ajay Singh, a move CEO Col. (retd.) Arun Malik described as "illegal and unconstitutional". Malik followed up by writing directly to the federation's affiliated units.

The dispute followed the Indian boxing contingent's contribution of six medals, including three gold, to the country's campaign at the recently-concluded Asian Games. Pramod, claiming the support of a majority of the affiliated state units, sent a letter convening a Special General Meeting on October 24 with a call for a no-confidence motion against Ajay on grounds of "total breakdown of trust and serious governance collapse". The SGM notice was initially dated for October 24.

Pramod's October 8 communication to the units asserted majority backing for the proposed motion and formally sought the Special General Meeting. The notice specified the reason for the no-confidence move as a "total breakdown of trust and serious governance collapse". The letter named Ajay Singh as the officer against whom the motion was to be tabled.

In response, CEO Col. (retd.) Arun Malik addressed the federation's units, terming Pramod’s letter "illegal, unconstitutional and without authority". Malik's correspondence included the line "the power to call an SGM is vested with the president". The CEO urged units not to treat Pramod's communication as a valid notice.

Malik's letter also drew attention to Pramod's disciplinary status, describing him as "facing a disciplinary enquiry" and asking members to factor that into their consideration of the notice. The CEO reiterated that the authority to convene a Special General Meeting rested with the president rather than the secretary-general.

Pramod later revised the SGM date to October 28, citing the requirement of a 21-day notice period for such a move; the meeting is now set for October 28. The scheduled Special General Meeting will determine whether the no-confidence motion against Ajay Singh proceeds.