Run by an ad-hoc body till recently, the Boxing Federation of India finally elected its office-bearers with owner of low-cost airline SpiceJet Ajay Singh being elected the president and Maharashtra's Jay Kowli elected the secretary general in Mumbai on Sunday.
The election was conducted in the presence of officials from the International Boxing Association (AIBA) and the Sports Ministry. Singh polled 49 votes, far ahead of his rival Rohit Jain from Delhi who received only 15.
While AIBA was represented by its Oceania Zone Vice-President Edgar Tanner, the Ministry had sent Sports Authority of India director Sushmita Jyotsi as observer.
Singh made a late entry in the elections and sources say that he had the backing of the Indian Olympic Association.
Maharashtra's Jay Kowli was elected the Secretary General and Assam's Hemanta Kumar Kalita had been elected unopposed as Treasurer.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!