BFI's returning officer resigns citing 'smear campaign'

New Delhi: The Boxing Federation of India ’s (BFI) elections descended further into chaos with the resignation of returning officer (RO) RK Gauba, a former Delhi high court judge.

Gauba stepped down attributing his decision to an “unhealthy and uncalled smear campaign” allegedly orchestrated by different factions within the federation, which are intent on gaining control over the sports body.

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Gauba was appointed RO on March 7 by former BFI president Ajay Singh. The current term of the executive committee of BFI, led by Singh, ended on Feb 2, and no new elections for office-bearers for the 2025-2029 tenure have been held. Consequently, the federation is currently being managed by a six-member interim committee.

This panel was established by World Boxing , the sport’s global governing body, on April 7 and is chaired by Singh. In his resignation letter, Gauba stated, “Unhealthy and uncalled for smear campaign is being indulged in by various parties, with ill-advised sense of impunity.

I find it below the dignity of my position and standing to be a part of such discourse. In this view, I do not wish to continue discharging the responsibilities of RO and, thus, hereby recuse and resign from such position forthwith.” Gauba mentioned receiving several emails from factions challenging Singh’s attempt for a third consecutive term as the BFI president