An observer from AIBA will attend the Boxing Federation of India elections ©Getty Images

An observer from the International Boxing Association (AIBA) will ensure tomorrow's Presidential election for the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) are "free and fair".

In an interview with the Press Trust of India, AIBA President Umar Kremlev confirmed an observer would be sent to the elections, as requested by the BFI. 

"We will certainly send a competent observer from AIBA to the Presidential elections in the Boxing Federation of India," he said. 

"Our task is to ensure complete transparency and democracy in each National Federation."

BFI President Ajay Singh is being challenged by former Mumbai Cricket Association President Ashish Shelar in the election.

The vote had been due to take place in September before it was pushed back to December 18 and then rescheduled to tomorrow. 

The delay in the election, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, prompted one of the BFI's members to seek intervention from a Delhi High Court to ensure it could be held. 

Singh has been President of the BFI since 2016 and his first term was extended following the first postponement of the vote.

Shelar has pledged to create an "ecosystem and infrastructure for budding boxers" and ensure the governing body has adequate office space. 

Singh has been backed by India's six-time world boxing champion Mary Kom, however, who credited the incumbent with the "remarkable performances" from boxers from the nation. 

Ajay Singh is aiming to be re-elected for a second term as BFI President ©Getty Images
Ajay Singh is aiming to be re-elected for a second term as BFI President ©Getty Images

"Today if Indian boxing is doing well globally, I feel it is because of the efforts that have been put to raise the standards of our players and domestic facilities," she told Times of India. 

"I personally believe Ajay Singh has done a great job.

"And for India to continue to be the best boxing nation in the world, he should continue as President of the BFI."

The relationship between AIBA and the BFI was tumultuous last year. 

AIBA transferred the 2021 Men's World Boxing Championships from New Delhi in India to the Serbian capital of Belgrade after claiming a hosting fee had not been paid and threatened the BFI with suspension for the unpaid debts. 

Kremlev claimed this issue was resolved and the relationship with the BFI was no longer fractious. 

"We have excellent relations with all our National Federations, including India," he said. 

"The issue of all payments for the World Championships was resolved and finally closed."

Kremlev is a recent election winner himself, becoming AIBA President in December.