The Bengal Boxing Foundation held its Annual General Meeting in Kolkata, where new office-bearers were elected unanimously in a democratic ballot. Sharad Bhutoria was chosen as President and Gaurav Goswami as General Secretary, with the Election Officer formally announcing the results in the presence of district boxing associations and senior representatives from the Indian Amateur Boxing Federation (IABF).
Senior IABF leaders attend AGM
National IABF President Dr. Rakesh Mishra and General Secretary Rakesh Thakran attended the meeting as high-profile guests. They oversaw the proceedings and participated in the elections under the supervision of Returning Officer Advocate Anjan Saha.
Dr. Mishra and Mr. Thakran provided guidance on strengthening the foundation’s institutional framework and addressed issues affecting the future welfare and development of boxers in Bengal. Dr. Mishra emphasised Bengal’s longstanding boxing heritage and said that, with organised efforts, Indian boxers can achieve greater success on the international stage.
Programme and protocol
The AGM took place at Hotel Lindsey in Kolkata’s New Market area and opened with a ceremonial lamp-lighting. Former Member of Parliament Locket Chatterjee was a special invitee. Guests, including Rajkumar Chhajer, were felicitated with bouquets and mementoes.
Ahead of the meeting, Dr. Rakesh Mishra was received at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport by boxing players and delegates led by General Secretary-elect Gaurav Goswami, underscoring the local community’s engagement with national leadership.
Vision for the future
At the meeting, Dr. Mishra articulated a broader vision for Indian boxing that draws on Bengal’s legacy as a cradle of the sport. He outlined IABF’s goal to develop a support system that makes boxers better resourced, self-reliant and secure in their careers—aiming for a model where sport, dignity and livelihood are sustained, akin to structures seen in Indian cricket.
- Sharad Bhutoria — President (elected unanimously)
- Gaurav Goswami — General Secretary (elected)
- Election oversight — Returning Officer Advocate Anjan Saha; supervision by Dr. Rakesh Mishra and Rakesh Thakran
