The battle within the Indian boxing fraternity turned bitter on Sunday with a Special General Meeting (SGM) of Boxing India (BI) ousting its president Sandeep Jajodia and secretary general Jay Kowli and Jajodia retaliating at the rebel faction by terming the development ‘illegal’ and cautioning it about ‘risking derecognition’ of the National federation by the International Boxing Association (AIBA).
The rebel faction, which was unhappy with the functioning of the top two BI office-bearers, had it easy as the no-confidence motion was passed with a 55-2 verdict following a secret ballot. Altogether 31 state units were present at the meeting held at the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) headquarters here. Maharashtra and Kerala chose to remain absent.
Immediately after the outcome of the no-confidence motion, which was video-recorded and conducted in the presence of retired Delhi High Court judge Justice R.S. Sodhi, the general house appointed one of its vice-presidents, Meren Paul of Nagaland, as the interim president to oversee the BI affairs till fresh elections. It is understood that the elections to choose new president and secretary general will be held within two months.
Details of the proceedings along with video tape will be sent to AIBA to keep the international body in the loop, said Rakesh Thakran of the Haryana unit.
Some dramatic developments unfolded in the run-up to the much-anticipated SGM with BI secretary general Kowli sending his resignation to the president late on Saturday night.
However, Jajodia, who is learnt to have apprised the AIBA of the rebellion against him, put up a brave front by terming the SGM ‘illegal’.
In a letter addressed to the boxing fraternity, he said the move by the rebel group might invite ‘derecognition’ by the apex body and put Indian boxing in the ‘dark ages’.
Veteran boxing administrator Asit Banerjee of the Bengal unit said Jajodia should have woken up earlier and addressed all issues. “God has given us an opportunity to rejuvenate Indian boxing. I hope AIBA will understand the gravity of the situation,” said Banerjee.
