Ajay Singh re-elected BFI chief

Overcomes Maharashtra's Ashish Shelar by 37-27 votes

Incumbent Ajay Singh was on Wednesday re-elected President of the Boxing Federation of India (BFI), comfortably defeating challenger Ashish Shelar in the polls which had an International Boxing Association (AIBA) observer in attendance.

Singh, also the chairman of Spicejet airlines, prevailed 37-27 in the elections held at a Gurugram hotel for a fresh four-year term. He will have a new secretary general by his side in Assam's Hemanta Kumar Kalita.

Kalita would be succeeding Maharashtra's Jay Kowli, who had decided against contesting for the post after extending his support to Shelar ahead of the elections.

"I don't want to comment on the margin, I am happy that the BFI has reposed faith in me. I hope to live up to the expectations and take boxing forward," Singh said in a press conference after being elected.

Kalita secured 39 votes against CV Raje (25), while Digvijay Singh secured the post of Treasurer with 33 votes against Anil Mishra (30).

Shelar is a BJP MLA from Maharashtra and was a former President of the Mumbai Cricket Association.

Singh said his priority would be to focus on development of women's boxing and ensure presence of more women in the support staff as well.