The Bengal Boxing Foundation held its Annual General Meeting in Kolkata, where new office-bearers were elected unanimously. Sharad Bhutoria was chosen as President and Gaurav Goswami as General Secretary in a ballot overseen by national boxing officials and representatives from all district associations in the state.
The meeting took place at Hotel Lindsey in New Market and opened with a ceremonial lamp-lighting. The event drew senior figures from the boxing fraternity and public life, including IABF National President Dr. Rakesh Mishra, IABF General Secretary Rakesh Thakran, former Member of Parliament Locket Chatterjee, and state-level representatives such as Rajkumar Chhajer. Guests were felicitated with bouquets and mementoes.
Election process and oversight
The elections were conducted under the supervision of Returning Officer Advocate Anjan Saha, with Dr. Mishra and Mr. Thakran present to ensure a transparent and democratic process. The results were formally announced in the presence of delegates from all Bengal district boxing associations and national representatives from the Indian Amateur Boxing Federation (IABF).
National leadership’s engagement
Before the AGM, IABF National President Dr. Rakesh Mishra was received at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport by players and officials led by newly elected General Secretary Gaurav Goswami. During the meeting, Dr. Mishra and Mr. Thakran offered guidance on strengthening the federation’s structures and addressing player welfare, development pathways, and future competitiveness.
Dr. Mishra highlighted Bengal’s historical contribution to Indian boxing and called for organised efforts to translate that legacy into international success. He outlined the IABF’s objective of creating conditions that make boxers resource-rich and self-reliant—aiming for sustainable careers and dignity comparable to more commercially established sports.
Context and implications
Bengal has long been a cradle of Indian boxing, producing notable national-level talent and fostering grassroots programmes. The newly elected leadership faces the immediate tasks of consolidating district-level coordination, improving training and support systems for athletes, and expanding opportunities for exposure at national and international levels.
With active involvement from IABF leadership, the Bengal Boxing Foundation aims to align state-level initiatives with national development plans for the sport, focusing on athlete welfare, coaching standards, and competitive pathways that can enhance India’s presence in international boxing.
