Controversy Deepens as Anurag Thakur Disqualified from BFI Elections

Former Sports Minister Anurag Thakur was disqualified from contesting the BFI elections due to constitutional violations. The electoral college list omits Thakur, adhering to the revised BFI Constitution that bars non-elected members and public office holders. Legal challenges against these amendments persist as the election deadline looms.

Former Sports Minister Anurag Thakur has been declared ineligible to participate in the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) elections. His name was notably absent from the electoral college list released ahead of the August 21 polls.

The Himachal Pradesh Boxing Association (HPBA) had put forth Thakur and Rajesh Bhandari as its representatives for the crucial meeting, which aims to elect new office-bearers for the 2025–2029 term. However, the BFI's interim committee, instituted by World Boxing, scrutinized the nominations, excluding Thakur's name due to constitutional infractions.

As detailed by the interim committee led by Fairuz Mohamed, Thakur's candidacy violated Articles 20 (iii) and (vii) of the revised BFI Constitution, as he lacks elected status within HPBA and holds a public office. Meanwhile, similar violations led to the disqualification of Delhi's Rohit Jainendra Jain. Amidst these disqualifications, HPBA's Bhandari is challenging the legitimacy of the constitutional changes enforced without executive approval.

(With inputs from agencies.)