The air at the south Mumbai banquet hall was of anticipation. Administrators from India's different boxing associations were keenly waiting for India's new boxing body – Boxing India — to come out with the results of the elections held earlier on Thursday.
After Indian Amateur Boxing Federation was suspended by the International Boxing Association (AIBA) in 2012, the scene of the sport in the country was not healthy. This was supposed to be the landmark elections. The AIBA didn't want to leave any stone unturned to see a free and fair elections.
The secret ballot was videographed while the AIBA had appointed two of its observers – Kishan Narsi and its legal department official Cliodhna Guy — to observe the process where Justice (Retired) DK Deshmukh was the returning officer. However, a miffed Indian Olympic Association chose not to send any of their officials to the elections, for reasons known to them.
As excited members and the media awaited the election result, the announcement came after one and a half hour wait.
The eagerness for the outcome could be clearly seen on the faces of the voters who had not been a part of electoral process for many years. Narsi stressed on how "transparent and peaceful" was the voting process since it was the first time in more than three decades a secret ballow system was followed in boxing elections. However, one of the delegates present at meet beg to differ saying it was followed in 1997.
"Earlier, the president was elected and it was left to him to form his own team," added Narsi, who has been a serving as international boxing official.
Industralist Sandip Jajodia, whose company Monnet Group is the sponsor of the Indian boxing team, was declared the president of the Boxing India by observer Narsi. He was elected unopposed representing the Chattishgarh Boxing Association. The question of conflict of interest arose for Jajodia, but he said he will keep himself out and let the committee take the decision if that situation arises.
The secretary general post went to Jay Kowli of Maharashtra in a three-way contest. He garnered the highest number of votes — 32. Assam's Hemant Kumar Kalita was elected as the treasurer garnering votes along with 10 vice presidents and seven executive council members.
Following Thursday, the report of elections will be sent to the AIBA for approval.
Cloud over India's pariticpation in Asian Games
The Boxing India may have successfully achieved their first goal of holding elections, but there is no clarity on the issue Indian boxers' participation in the upcoming Asian Games in South Korea. Narsi said, "Thirteen boxers' names have been sent to the Asian Games Organising Committee. They have been training in Patiala and Delhi. The present situation is not clear.
"A process has been followed and its results will be sent to the AIBA Executive Council (for clearance). But there's time as boxing events start only on the 23rd."
The new secretary general was optimistic. "There is silver lining than the cloud. I am positive and hoping after our elections were successfully held," said Kowli.
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