Olympian Boxer Vijender Singh Expresses Desire to Run in BFI Elections
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Synopsis
Olympian Vijender Singh is eager to run for the Boxing Federation of India elections, advocating for fair elections and increased international exposure for Indian boxers ahead of the 2028 Olympics.
Key Takeaways
- Vijender Singh plans to contest BFI elections.
- Calls for fair electoral processes within the BFI.
- Stresses the importance of foreign exposure for boxers.
- IOA formed an ad-hoc committee to manage boxing affairs.
- Current BFI office-bearers' term ended on February 2.
New Delhi, Feb 26 (NationPress) Following the establishment of an ad-hoc committee by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to oversee boxing in India, Olympic bronze medalist Vijender Singh has expressed his willingness to run for elections in the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) to help restore order.
Vijender, who secured a bronze medal during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, previously emphasized the need for new and transparent elections in the BFI. He also advocated for increased international exposure for Indian boxers to enhance their prospects of winning medals at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
When asked about his interest in participating in the BFI elections, Vijender affirmed, 'Absolutely! I would like to contest in the elections (BFI) whenever they take place... Whether the members support me or not is a matter for the future; what matters is my passion for boxing and my dedication to promoting it,' he stated to IANS.
Vijender emphasized the necessity of establishing a robust federation and indicated his eagerness to contribute if given the opportunity.
'Given the progress our country is making in sports, I firmly believe that Indian boxers require more international exposure in competitions to secure medals at the LA Olympics 2028,' Vijender posted on X on Wednesday.
'To achieve this, we need to conduct fresh and fair elections as soon as possible to build a strong federation. I would be more than happy to lend my experience if entrusted with any responsibilities by our government. @PMOIndia @mansukhmandviya,' he added.
On Monday, the IOA formed a five-member ad-hoc committee, including senior boxer Shiva Thapa, to manage the daily operations of the BFI due to administrative instability and the federation's failure to conduct timely elections.
The current BFI office-bearers' tenure ended on February 2, but elections could not proceed due to a legal dispute regarding previous elections that ruled against the BFI.
The ad-hoc committee will 'address the grievances raised by the boxing community, facilitate athlete participation in upcoming international competitions, and work towards conducting the IBF elections at the earliest,' the IOA stated in its administrative order.
