Indian boxing experienced a year of turmoil in 2025, marked by administrative infighting and legal battles within the Boxing Federation of India (BFI). However, the nation's pugilists managed to salvage the year with outstanding performances, including the emergence of two new world champions.
The year began on a subdued note, with Indian boxers largely absent from international competitions following a medal-less performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Behind the scenes, the BFI was embroiled in internal conflicts. The Delhi High Court expressed its concern over the disputes within the BFI's governing council, cautioning that such infighting could lead to disqualification at the international level. The court noted that the Olympic charter promotes autonomy in sports governance, which was being compromised by the ongoing litigation.
The BFI's troubles included the suspension of Hemanta Kumar Kalita, the secretary-general, and Digvijay Singh, the treasurer, by BFI President Ajay Singh, over alleged financial irregularities. A probe conducted by a former Delhi High Court judge, Sudhir Kumar Jain, found them guilty of unauthorized fund withdrawals, fraudulent billing, and abuse of power. Kalita and Singh challenged their suspensions in court.
Further complicating matters, the BFI's elections were "paused" due to legal challenges from disgruntled member state associations. The Delhi High Court had stayed a BFI directive concerning the representation of state units in the elections, leading to the Returning Officer halting the electoral process. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) even appointed an Ad Hoc Committee to manage the BFI's affairs at one point, but this was stayed by the High Court. World Boxing, the sport's new governing body, urged the BFI to conduct its elections by August 31 to ensure a smooth transition to a democratically elected executive body.
Amidst the administrative chaos, Indian boxers delivered stellar performances on the world stage. Jaismine Lamboria (57kg) and Minakshi Hooda (48kg) clinched gold medals at the World Boxing Championships 2025 in Liverpool. Jaismine defeated Poland's Julia Szeremeta, an Olympic silver medalist, in a 4-1 split decision. Minakshi edged out Kazakhstan's Nazym Kyzaibay, a Paris 2024 bronze medalist, also by a 4-1 score. Their victories marked them as the first Indian champions under the aegis of World Boxing. Nupur Sheoran (80+kg) secured a silver medal, while Pooja Rani (80kg) returned with a bronze. India finished the World Boxing Championships 2025 with four medals, including two golds.
Despite the success of the women boxers, the men's team faced disappointment at their World Championships, returning without any medals. Nevertheless, promising young talents emerged, offering hope for future success.
The BFI also faced a case filed by the International Boxing Association (IBA) at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for allegedly dishonoring the host city agreement for the Women's World Boxing Championships in New Delhi the previous year. The IBA is reportedly seeking compensation of ₹5 crore. The BFI had severed ties with the IBA and joined World Boxing. Furthermore, there were internal disputes within the BFI regarding the decision to host the World Boxing Cup Final in November 2025, with some officials claiming the announcement was made unilaterally without informing the executive committee.
