Shiva Thapa Joins IOA’s Ad-Hoc Committee to Oversee BFI Affairs

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has formed an ad-hoc committee to manage the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) following its failure to conduct timely elections. Among the committee members is Assam pugilist Shiva Thapa, a celebrated Indian boxer and multiple-time Asian Championships medalist.

This move comes after the BFI’s office-bearers’ tenure officially ended on February 2, 2025, but the election process was stalled due to legal disputes over the previous election results. The IOA’s intervention aims to ensure the smooth functioning of Indian boxing and resolve the administrative crisis within the federation.

IOA Ad-Hoc Committee: Key Members & Responsibilities

The IOA ad-hoc committee will be headed by Jharkhand Olympic Association general secretary Madhukant Pathak and includes the following members:

• Rajesh Bhandari (BFI Vice President)
• DP Bhatt (Boxing Official)
• Virendra Singh Thakur (Boxing Official)
• Shiva Thapa (Ace Indian Boxer from Assam)

Mandate of the IOA’s Ad-Hoc Committee

The newly appointed committee has been tasked with overseeing BFI’s affairs and ensuring the effective administration of Indian boxing. Its primary responsibilities include:

1. Addressing Grievances: Handling concerns raised by boxers, coaches, and officials regarding governance and selection processes.
2. Ensuring Athlete Participation: Facilitating Indian boxers’ participation in upcoming international competitions like the Paris Olympics 2024 qualifiers.
3. Expediting BFI Elections: Organizing free and fair elections at the earliest to restore administrative stability.
4. Maintaining Transparency: Preventing any bureaucratic delays or mismanagement within the BFI.

Why IOA Stepped In?: Legal Disputes & Election Delays

The IOA’s intervention in the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) comes after prolonged administrative instability. According to IOA President PT Usha, the governing body has been closely monitoring the situation, especially after the BFI elections failed to take place on the prescribed deadline of February 2, 2025. “As per governing norms, elections to BFI were to be conducted on or before February 2, 2025. However, despite the prescribed timeline, the elections have not been held, resulting in administrative instability within the federation,” said PT Usha, President of the Indian Olympic Association.

The BFI elections were stalled due to legal battles surrounding the previous election results, which were ruled against the federation. This has led to disruptions in governance, prompting the IOA to take direct action.

Shiva Thapa’s Role in the Committee

Shiva Thapa, one of India’s most decorated boxers and a former world championship medalist, is a major addition to the ad-hoc committee. The Assam pugilist’s involvement ensures that athlete representation is prioritized in decision-making.

With his experience as an active competitor, Thapa is expected to provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by Indian boxers and help streamline selection policies, training programs, and athlete welfare initiatives.

Impact of the Ad-Hoc Committee on Indian Boxing

The formation of the IOA ad-hoc committee is expected to have the following impacts:

1. Improved Governance: The committee will work towards restoring administrative efficiency in BFI’s operations.
2. Smooth Conduct of Elections: With the IOA’s intervention, the election process is likely to be expedited, preventing further delays.
3. Ensuring International Participation: Indian boxers will continue to compete in major tournaments without disruptions.
4. Athlete-Centric Policies: With Shiva Thapa’s inclusion, the focus on athlete welfare and fair selection processes will strengthen.

The IOA’s decision to form an ad-hoc committee for the Boxing Federation of India highlights the urgent need for administrative stability in Indian boxing. The federation’s failure to conduct elections on time had raised serious concerns regarding governance and transparency, potentially affecting India’s preparations for key international tournaments, including the Paris Olympics 2024 qualifiers.

With Shiva Thapa’s inclusion, the committee ensures that athlete representation is prioritized in governance. As an experienced boxer who has competed at the highest levels, Thapa brings first-hand knowledge of the challenges faced by Indian pugilists, including issues related to selection policies, training facilities, and athlete welfare. His presence in the committee strengthens the prospects of player-centric reforms, making it more likely that the voices of active and aspiring boxers will be heard.

Additionally, the committee’s formation ensures that India’s boxing contingent remains unaffected by internal conflicts. Given that BFI oversees Olympic boxing selections, the IOA’s intervention prevents unnecessary disruptions that could have jeopardized India’s representation on the world stage. By expediting elections, the committee aims to restore transparency in the federation’s administration while allowing Indian boxers to focus solely on their performance.

Moving forward, the committee’s success will depend on its ability to conduct free and fair elections, resolve legal disputes, and implement governance reforms that benefit athletes. If executed effectively, this move could mark a turning point for Indian boxing, fostering a system where administrative efficiency, athlete welfare, and merit-based selections take precedence.