16/02/2026
*Bengal Boxing Foundation Annual General Meeting and Elections Concluded: Dr. Rakesh Mishra*
*Sharad Bhutoria Elected President and Gaurav Goswami Elected General Secretary of Bengal Boxing Foundation: Bidisha Chanda*
*Historic Journey of Indian Amateur Boxing Federation Beginning from Bengal Remained the Centre of Discussion: Rakesh Thakran*
Kolkata | (Sports Correspondent) The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Bengal Boxing Foundation was successfully organized in Kolkata. During the meeting, elections for new office bearers of the organization were conducted through a democratic process, in which Mr. Sharad Bhutoria was unanimously elected as President and Mr. Gaurav Goswami was elected as General Secretary. The Election Officer formally announced the results in the presence of all district boxing associations of Bengal.
*Welcome at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport: Gaurav Goswami*
Prior to the Annual General Meeting, the National President of the Indian Amateur Boxing Federation, Dr. Rakesh Mishra, was welcomed by boxing players at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport.
*Meeting Inaugurated with Lamp Lighting at Hotel Lindsey, New Market, Kolkata*
The meeting was organized at Hotel Lindsey, located in the New Market area of Kolkata. The programme was formally inaugurated with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp. On this occasion, former Member of Parliament Locket Chatterjee was specially present. All guests, including Mr. Rajkumar Chhajer, were honoured with bouquets and mementoes.
*Dignified Presence of National Leadership*
The elections were conducted under the supervision of Dr. Rakesh Mishra, National President of IABF, along with Mr. Rakesh Thakran, General Secretary. They provided guidance on organizational strengthening and issues related to the future of players.
*Historic Journey of IABF Began from Bengal*
*Bengal Became the Foundation of Organized Indian Boxing*
During the meeting, detailed discussions were also held on the history and development of Indian boxing. Speakers stated that the foundation of the organized and disciplined form of Indian boxing was laid on the soil of Bengal, from where the tradition of developing boxing as a technical, disciplined, and competitive sport began.
From this historic background, the Indian Amateur Boxing Federation (IABF) moved forward and provided a strong national platform for amateur boxing across the country.
*Major Achievements of IABF*
From National Structure to International Recognition:
• Establishment of an organized amateur boxing structure in various states of the country
• Standardized rules and training systems for players, coaches, referees, and judges
• Opportunities for talented boxers through national-level competitions
• Full international affiliation granted to IABF by the International Boxing Association (IBA)
• Concrete initiatives to develop Indian boxing in accordance with international standards
*Objective of IABF: Player-Centric and Future-Secure Model*
The clear objective of IABF is to provide every Indian boxer with financial support, modern facilities, and high-level training during their sporting career, so that they can perform excellently in India and abroad and build a respectable sports career.
*Upcoming Programmes of IABF (Point-wise):*
Roadmap for a Strong Future of Indian Boxing:
• Establishment of a Professional Boxing League
→ For regular income, professional platform, and commercial identity
• Organization of National Amateur Boxing Competitions
→ For senior, junior, and youth categories
• Expansion and strengthening of state and district units
→ For organizational strength and transparency
• Training programmes for coaches, referees, and judges
→ Technical development in line with international standards
• Talent identification and grassroots development programmes
→ Identification of new talent from school and college levels
• International participation and exposure programmes
→ Foreign competitions, training camps, and technical cooperation
*Statement of the Newly Elected President:*
Newly elected President Mr. Sharad Bhutoria thanked all district associations, players, and office bearers and said that Bengal boxing would be taken to new heights through collective efforts. General Secretary Mr. Gaurav Goswami successfully conducted the proceedings of the programme.
*Inspirational Address by Dr. Rakesh Mishra:“Bengal’s Talent Is the Strength of the Nation”*
Dr. Rakesh Mishra said that Bengal’s boxing tradition is extremely rich, and through organized efforts, Indian boxers will bring glory to the country at the international level.
The journey of Indian boxing that began from Bengal has today taken the form of a national sports movement. IABF aims to make Indian boxers resource-rich, self-reliant, and future-secure on the lines of cricket—where sport, dignity, and livelihood are all ensured.
Wide Participation in the Programme
Players and representatives from institutions across all districts of West Bengal were present, including Mr. Gaurav Goswami (Hooghly), Mr. Arindam Chakraborty (Hooghly), Mr. Sudipta Karmakar (Bankura), Mr. Santanu Sen (Kolkata), Mr. Aparup Saha (North 24 Parganas), Mr. Keshab Sardar (Kolkata), Ms. Bidisha Chanda (Kolkata), Mr. Animesh Biswas (North 24 Parganas), Ms. Suparna Ghosh (North 24 Parganas), Mr. Firoz Khan (Paschim Bardhaman), Mr. Imran Khaiyum (Purba Bardhaman), Mr. Kartick Haldar (South 24 Parganas), Mr. Arijit Hembram (Bankura), Mr. Ayan Mallick (Hooghly), Mr. Indrajit Pathak (Hooghly), Mr. Chiru (Purulia), Mr. Hamid Khan, Mr. Rajkumar Shaw (North 24 Parganas), Ms. Arpita Goswami, Mr. Bidhan Saha (Purba Medinipur), Mr. Rocky (Paschim Medinipur), Mr. Imtiaz (Bardhaman), Ms. Jayeeta Ray (Kolkata), and Advocate Payel Bandyopadhyay (Women’s Commission).
