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The Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
100 FREE days out in the UK this summer – from pop-up beaches and kids' workshops to city farms and theatre shows
THE summer holidays are here, which means millions of parents are bracing themselves for shelling out a fortune on activities to keep cries of 'I'm bored' at bay. A family of four spends £992 on average for 11 days out over the school summer break - but with our guide, days out with the kids can be frugal AND fun. 16 16 16 We've found 100 completely free attractions and events around the UK to keep your bank balance happy, from cinema trips to rockpooling sessions. None cost a penny to participate in, but you may need to book a place in advance or cover the cost of parking. DAYS OUT NATIONWIDE 1. National Playday returns on August 6 with a theme of Spaces for Play. Look out for events at museums, parks and galleries in all four nations, which are free to enjoy. 2. Grab a Billy bookcase or a cuppa in peace while your kids enjoy a free 60-minute session with arts, crafts and games in the Småland IKEA creche. Available at most IKEA stores, excluding Manchester, Birmingham and Croydon. 3. Step inside Britain's stud farms, racing yards and retraining centres during National Racehorse Week, from August 23-29. Events include watching fitness training, horse schooling and vet demos. 4. Get free tickets to see Savages, a French animated film telling the story of courageous forest dweller Keria, at screenings around the UK on July 21 and 22. Part of the BFI Escapes initiative, book at DAYS OUT IN YORKSHIRE 5. Prepare for battle at the Royal Armories Museum in Leeds, which has a vast collection of weapons from across the ages and a new Gladiators exhibition. Don't miss the daily historical sword fight re-enactments. 6. Bradford City of Culture 2025 has a jam-packed itinerary of events across the city, including the DRAW! Tour workshops inspired by David Hockney. All materials are provided and local artists are on hand to help. The North Coast 500: Scotland's Must-Visit Road Trip Beats the Grand Canyon 7. Step aboard a bullet train at York's National Railway Museum, which is celebrating its 50th birthday throughout 2025. There's also the option to pay extra for the interactive Wonderlab area. 8. Spot the dancing bear and turtle among the unique rock formations at Brimham Rocks near Harrogate, North Yorkshire. You can try geocaching and orienteering for free, and there's a Summer of Play programme. Parking charges apply. 9. The historic house of Cannon Hall Museum Park & Gardens in Cawhorne, South Yorkshire, lets you experience the upper classes through the ages and has an impressive art collection, plus stunning walled gardens. 10. The heritage of Britain's most inland port town is brought to life at Goole Museum, which has a gallery of work by renowned Pierhead painter Reuben Chappell and sea-themed activities for under-fives. 11. Run the once-fearsome ramparts of Pontefract Castle in West Yorkshire, which dates back to 1070. There are activities like Knight School over the summer and a brilliant playground to enjoy. 12. Robin Hood's Bay in North Yorkshire offers top rock pooling action and digging for fossils. The village also has a quaint free museum packed with artefacts detailing the bay's smuggling and shipwreck history. 16 13. Travel through 200 years of transport history at Hull's Streetlife Museum, where you can stroll down a 1940s high street, ride the vintage tram and see steam-powered cars. 14. Junction 32 shopping outlet in Castleford, South Yorkshire, has built a beach for visitors to enjoy, complete with deck chairs, buckets and spades. Open daily from 10am during the summer holidays. DAYS OUT IN THE NORTH EAST 15. See Turbinia, once the world's fastest steamship, and learn about Tyneside's rich scientific, maritime and technological history at Discovery Museum in Newcastle. There are paper plane and Knex free events over summer. 16. Get ready to spray and shine at Dalton Park retail park in Durham, which has free street art workshops for kids on six days from July 23, using chalk-based paints. Designs will be incorporated into a mural at the park too. Book at 17. Explore The Lady of the North, the centrepiece landform sculpture at Northumberlandia in Cramlington, Northumberland. This 19-hectare park also has a new bug-themed trail created with Aardman and free summer activities. 16 18. The Great North Museum: Hancock in Newcastle is dedicated to natural history, archaeology and world cultures, with a packed programme of summer family fun and Mouse House play area for under-fives. 19. Travel back to the Roman Empire at Arbeia in South Shields - a former Roman fort which is hosting guided tours, living history reenactments of the second century Tungrians and more this summer. 20. The distinctive red and white Souter Lighthouse in Sunderland has been a sight on The Leas since 1871. You need to pay to enter but it's free to explore the cliff walks, teeming with birdlife, as well join summer sports activities. 21. Bring literature to life at Seven Stories, the National Centre for Children's Books in Newcastle. There are exhibitions about Mog and The Tiger Who Came To Tea, plus special events and storytimes. There's also a pop-up space in Durham. 22. Contemporary artists take centre stage at MIMA, Middlesborough Institute of Modern Art, which has the Family Art Trolley daily throughout summer and a Saturday club for 13-16 year olds. DAYS OUT IN THE NORTH WEST 23. Brockholes, near Preston, Lancashire, is a former sand quarry, now a 250-acre nature reserve with floating visitor centre and adventure playground. You may spot the elusive white-letter hairstreak butterfly in July and August too. 24. Whether you're a fan of Andy Warhol or Monet, there is art to suit every taste at Tate Liverpool + RIBA North. There's also an art trail around Albert Docks and Making Waves workshops, all free to join. 25. Pick up a free map to complete the Kendal's Cumbrian Adventure Trail 2025, which has themed tasks and free samples to enjoy, including a stop at the town's free Quaker Tapestry Museum. Until August 31. 26. Explore the big ideas of the last 250 years at the Science + Industry Museum in Manchester, which has accessible exhibitions about the textile industry, the Solar System and more. 27. See submarines, Viking artefacts and the bones of the oldest Northerner at the Dock Museum in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria. There's also an adventure playground and free parking. 28. Grizedale in the Lake District will give you a double whammy of a beautiful forest walk with 21 contemporary sculptures. There's also a Gruffalo meet-and-greet on August 7 and another with Stickman on August 15. 29. No outfit is complete without headwear, and you can learn about the history of millinery at Hat Works Museum in Stockport. Housed in a Grade II-listed mill, there's a vast collection of designs and the machines used to make them. 30. Kids will adore attacking the 11 miles of sand and seeing the trams, piers and donkeys in Blackpool, the UK's ultimate seaside town. The Wildlife Trust also has a free Rockpool Ramble on August 5. 16 31. The Ribble Valley Sculpture Trail is a 1.5-mile circular stroll on the outskirts of Clitheroe, Lancashire, featuring 22 artworks inspired by local wildlife and history. There are wonderful views of the Forest of Bowland and a trim trail too. 32. See aircraft jetting off and get close to retired planes including Concorde and Nimrod at The Runway Visitor Park by Manchester Airport. There is live commentary of operations on weekends, plus a play park. DAYS OUT IN THE MIDLANDS 33. Climb the 32-metre high tower at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-Upon-Avon for panoramic views of the Warwickshire countryside. Open 12-4pm except on matinee days. There's a free events programme on 6 August too. 34. There are 300 years of works at Wolverhampton Art Gallery, including local artist Gainsborough. The current exhibition, Come As You Are, celebrates the work of local hobbyists, conceived by Hetain Patel. 35. See the skies come alive at the Oswestry Balloon Carnival in Shropshire on August 16-17. The event at Cae Glas Park will also feature the Raptor Cheerleaders, Border Counties Gymnastics, alpacas and more. 36. Get hands-on with the exhibitions at Abbey Pumping Station in Leicester, which explores the science of the railways. A ride on the Narrow Gauge Steam Railway is just 50p. 37. Shimmy up trees in the climbing forest at Combe Abbey Park in Coventry. There's also an adventure playground and if you can shell out for a treat, the 1950s-themed Sundae Club is open on weekends. 38. Set in a former silk mill, the Museum of Making in Derby has a treasure trove of artefacts, including the world's smallest engine, run using a human hair. Check out the summer activity programme too. 39. Stonebridge City Farm in Nottingham has a huge range of residents to befriend, including meerkats, two ponies, pigs and a tortoise. They also have gardens and a play area. 40. Dress in boater costumes and create traditional decorations at The Canal Museum in Stoke Bruene, Northamptonshire. You can also walk the Grand Union Canal and visit the nature reserve to do some pond dipping. 41. The National Memorial Arboretum in Lichfield, Staffordshire, has 150 acres of woodland and more than 400 memorials, as well as CANOPY, a sound installation in the trees and free activities on Wondrous Wednesdays. 42. Birmingham's Symphony Hall has a programme of free lunchtime and evening concerts across the summer holidays, including jazz, poetry jams and classical. No booking required. DAYS OUT IN THE EAST OF ENGLAND 43. Black Shuck Festival in Bungay, Suffolk, brings together theatre, music and art with an East Anglian legend of a wild black dog. Takes place August 1-3, with a parade on the Saturday. 44. See specimens from the entire animal kingdom, from molluscs to elephants, at the Museum of Zoology in Cambridge. The collection includes a 21m fin whale and Captain Cook's conch. 45. Explore a 1.2km play trail with giant seesaw, climbing forest, tyre swings and sandpits, as well as cycle or spot birds, at Great Notley Country Park in Braintree, Essex. 46. Redwings Horse Sanctuary has two visitor centres in Aylsham and Caldecott, Norfolk, where you can meet the rescue animals, including Shetland ponies, donkeys and mules. There are special events too. 16 16 47. Come face-to-face with a polar bear and see a penguin at the Natural History Museum in Tring, Hertfordshire. There are Lego workshops and ocean themed events on selected summer dates too. 48. Ferry Meadows in Nene Park, Peterborough, has 500-acres of lakes, meadows, woodlands and riverside to explore with energetic little people. There's also a Holiday Trail and events like pond dipping. 49. Learn about the Iron Age to present day at Harlow Museum and Walled Gardens, in Essex, which also has three historic gardens perfect for picnics. Open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. DAYS OUT IN THE SOUTH WEST 50. Discover the toys of yesteryear at House of Marbles in Bovey Tracy, Devon. There are board games dating back to the 1600s, the largest permanent marble run in the UK, glass blowing demos and a play area. 51. The Bill Douglas Cinema Museum in Exeter is home to one of the largest collections of materials about moving images in Britain, with artefacts dating back to the 17 th century. 52. The beaches of Studland in Dorset boast one of the best climates in Britain, with views to the Isle of Wight. Check out the National Trust's programme of free Monday activities, including volleyball, badminton and sensory play. 53. Explore 850 acres of woodland and grassland in Aston Court Estate, Bristol, a Grade I listed country park where hot air balloons take to the skies and deer roam free. The mansion has an open weekend on August 2-3 too. 54. Bath City Farm in Wiltshire has wonderful views over the picturesque city and lots of livestock for children to meet and learn about. There's also a play area. 55. There will be drop-in creative sessions including puppets and circus performers at The Box in Plymouth, Cornwall, during Tuesday to Thursday afternoons this summer. Also check out Surreal Estates, with artwork by 260 local kids. 56. Meet the cows, goats and turkeys at Roskilly's Organic Farm in Helston, Cornwall. Visitors can also enjoy the meadow walks and if you have cash to spare, head to the ice cream parlour. 57. Laugh and dance at Summer Jam 2025 at The Brewery Quarter in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire on July 25-27. There's a free programme of music, comedy and family fun, including Vince Freeman from The Voice. 58. The Beach Volleyball Grand Slam hits the sand in Weymouth, Dorset, for its 42 nd edition, with players from across the world. There's a centre court grandstand near Weymouth Pavilion, with all matches free to watch on July 25-27. 59. Visit the residents of The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth, Devon, and take the nature trail. There are sister sanctuaries in Belfast and Buxton, Derbyshire, open on selected days too. DAYS OUT IN THE SOUTH EAST 60. The Novium in Chichester, West Sussex, is celebrating the story of local potted paste brand Shippam's, with an interactive exhibition of jingles, adverts and packaging, as well as workshops to make your own designs. 61. Set within a 19th-century defensive fort overlooking the Solent, Fareham's Fort Nelson in Hampshire has a collection of artillery spanning 600 years. Entry is in two-hour time slots, which must be pre-booked at 16 16 62. Pet alpacas, ponies and emus at Aspens near Tunbridge Wells in Kent, which has a woodland and playground area too. The charity supports people with learning disabilities and has a fundraising café. 63. The Ashmolean in Oxford has an interactive gallery guide with games and quizzes, as well as special events like coin handling sessions on Saturday and a Festival of Archaeology on July 19. 64. There's a sandy escape at Norden Farm Centre for the Arts in Berkshire, which hosts Maidenhead Beach from July 25. There's free storytelling every lunchtime until August 12, plus free crafts and gigs on Saturdays. 65. Children's favourites Bagpuss and the Clangers are among the eclectic exhibitions at The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge in Canterbury, Kent. It also has insects and artefacts from world explorers. 66. There are themed open mornings on Tuesdays to Thursdays at Howe Park Wood near Milton Keynes, a Site of Special Scientific Interest that is home to 200 species. It's great for walks and also has a play area. 67. Rye Harbour Nature Reserve in East Sussex has a visitor centre, unspoilt sands and birds to spot. There's a programme of summer activities too, including Microscope and Mark Making Monday on August 11, 10am-12pm. DAYS OUT IN LONDON 68. The quirky Horniman Museum in Forest Hill, Lewisham, has extensive collections of taxidermy and musical instruments, plus an animal walk and beautiful gardens. 69. Get some of the best views of the capital from the Sky Garden in the City of London. Travel up 155m high to explore the three landscaped stories and look across to the Shard. Booking is essential at 70. Mudchute Farm in the Isle of Dogs, Tower Hamlets, is one of London's largest farms, teeming with all manner of animals, as well as picnic areas and views of Canary Wharf. 71. I See You Like This at the Unicorn Theatre in London Bridge, Southwark, sees the camera turned round and children invited to direct, style and visually reinvent their grown-up, with an exhibition by local children. Until August 28. 72. The Young V&A in Bethnal Green, East London, is an interactive journey through childhood and also has free play days on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through the summer holiday. 16 16 73. Explore rock pools, a treehouse, rope bridges and sand pits at Tumbling Bay Playground at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, East London. UK Black Pride is free to enjoy at the park on 10 August too. 74. Teach your kids about the sacrifices of generations before them and see everything from Spitfires to trench art at Imperial War Museum London in Lambeth. There are daily family activities, including storytelling and codebreaking. 75. The Royal Docks Summer Splash in transforms Victoria Docks, East London, into a free lido from July 25 to August 17, with lifeguards, sandy play areas and deckchairs. It's part of At The Docks 2025. 76. Get a taste of food production from ancient times to the first Quorn burger at the new Future of Food exhibition at the Science Museum in Kensington, West London. Open from July 24, admission is free but you need to book. 77. There are discovery days themed on meadows, Peter Pan and water at Hyde Park Learning Centre in Kensington. They take place on Tuesdays to Thursdays in August, reserve a place online at DAYS OUT IN WALES 78. Louby Lou's Storytelling is running a series of wildlife-inspired shows in locations across the Vale of Glamorgan, including Barry, from July 19 to August 30. Book free tickets for Creature Chronicles: Tales from the Vale at 79. The National Roman Legion in Caerleon, South East Wales, marks its 175 th anniversary on August 2 with a free day featuring Roman soldiers, gladiator training, crafts, a dig pit and tours. 80. Travel through the Wales of times past at St Fagan's National Museum of History in Cardiff, with its park full of painstakingly rebuilt buildings from around the nation. There's also an exhibition telling the story of Welsh women's football. 81. The traditional seaside town of Llandudno, North Wales, has a Victorian pier and an Alice in Wonderland trail with 34 points of interest about the real girl who inspired the character. 82. Descend 300ft underground at Big Pit National Coal Museum in Pontypool, South East Wales, a former working pit turned attraction. You can tour the coal face and explore the history of the mining industry. 83. Abersoch Regatta in Gwynedd, North Wales, has a week of events from August 4-9, including a raft race, sandcastle building, paddleboarding and crab catching, with the main sailing and social on the Saturday. 84. Splash in the sunshine at Blackpill Lido in Swansea, which has a paddling pool and water features, as well as a children's play area, climbing rock and picnic facilities. 16 85. The National Museum Cardiff takes you from the very beginnings of time to the present day, exploring evolution and animals, as well as an impressive collection of art by Monet, Van Gogh and Turner. 86. There will be live music and entertainment at the Milford Waterfront Weekend in Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, on August 8-10. There are also picnic areas and outdoor games with marina views. DAYS OUT IN SCOTLAND 87. The award-winning Riverside Museum in Glasgow tells the story of transport, big and small, with exhibits including skateboards through to a tall ship on the River Clyde outside. 88. Whizz along the 30ft zip wire, explore the Fairy Glen and jump on trampolines at Craigtoun Country Park in St Andrews, Fife. It also has an adventure playground, all-inclusive play area, sand pit and trim trail. 89. Standing on the city's waterfront, V&A Dundee is Scotland's first dedicated design museum and home to Charles Rennie Mackintosh's restored Oak Room. 90. The Potter Trail offers magical free walking tours for fans of Harry and his Hogwarts pals, around the streets of Edinburgh. Each one last 75-90 minutes. Places are free to book but you may wish to donate to your guide. 91. Regular hands-on sessions for budding artists are available alongside galleries with modern masters like David Hockney at the Glasgow Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA). 92. At The Helix, home of the Kelpies in Falkirk, you can admire 30ft sculptures of horses and walk through the lush landscapes. There's also a splash park and adventure playground. 93. Aberdeen's Festival of the Sea is July 12-27, with a programme of free and paid-for events, including storytelling, music, and walks, plus a Coastal Discovery Day on July 21 and an ongoing Tall Ships exhibition. 94. Wander through Scottish rural life from the 1700s to the 1950s at the Highland Folk Museum in Newtonmore. There are more than 35 historical buildings including a school, plus a play area. 95. Meet Dolly the Sheep, see a T-Rex skeleton and explore phones from across the ages at the National Museum of Scotland, which is packed with child-friendly, interactive exhibits. DAYS OUT IN NORTHERN IRELAND 96. Murlough National Nature Reserve in Dundrum, County Down, has 6,000-year-old sand dunes, a beach, natural play area, walking trails and 720 species of butterfly to spot. 97. Set within Belfast's Botanic Gardens, Ulster Museum has diverse exhibits on The Troubles to Japanese war art. There's a packed programme of family fun, including The Big Butterfly Blend-In and Blue Sky Birds. 98. There's free music every Sunday at Open House Festival's Picnic in the Park in Ward Park, Bangor, County Down. The series culminate with the traditional Bluegrass Picnic on August 31. 99. Armagh County Museum sits at the end of a tree-lined mall and has artefacts from pre-history to present day, covering art, natural history, domestic life and transport. 100. Meet the Minions, try your hand at mini golf and experience the carnival at Wellington Court in Ballymena, County Antrim, which has a programme of free events through July and August.
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Indian boxers chase the heavyweight dream
New Delhi: Earlier this month, Indian boxers returned from the second leg of World Boxing Cup in Astana, Kazakhstan with a haul of 11 medals, including three gold. While the majority of podium finishes were expectedly secured by the lightweight and middleweight boxers, the heavyweight pugilists punched above their weight as well, winning a total of four medals — two each in men's and women's divisions. Nupur Sheoran (left) in action at the World Boxing Cup in Astana. (BFI) The numbers may not jump out just yet, but it's a start nevertheless considering all of India's three Olympic medals have come in lighter weights. It's worth noting that in the last three Olympics, only a solitary Indian boxer — Satish Kumar (+91kg) — could qualify in the heavier weights. After the misbegotten campaign in Paris where the boxing contingent returned empty-handed, things are beginning to look up despite the organisational churn that the boxing federation is going through. Nupur Sheoran's gold in +80kg, Pooja Rani's silver in 80kg, Jugnoo Ahlawat's silver in 85kg, and Narender Berwal's bronze in 90+kg in Astana were preceded by Gaurav Chauhan's (+90kg) gold in Seychelles National Day Tournament last month and Vishal Bataan's bronze (90kg) in the first World Boxing Cup in Foz do Iguacu, Brazil in March-April. Second string 90kg boxers Naman Tanwar and Anshul Gill impressed at the Thailand Open in June where both got the better of their Uzbek opponents with Tanwar going on to win gold, beating China's Asian Games bronze medallist Han Xuezhen in the final. 'It's definitely a big statement. Heavyweight division was not a productive one for India for a while but we are determined to change that,' Nupur, who defeated local favourite Yeldana Talipova in the Astana final, said. Granddaughter of two-time Asian Games heavyweight champion (1966, 1970) Hawa Singh, Nupur has taken upon herself the task of carrying Singh's undeniable legacy forward. 'I feel it's my responsibility. There are no heavyweight superstars in India and I would like to fill that gap,' she added, emphasising on the need for regular international exposure. Narender concurred. 'We need to play much more internationally. I feel we are not too far behind technically as compared to Uzbeks, Kazakhs and Americans, but we do lack the power punches. And that is also down to protein deficiency at the growth stage,' the 2023 Asian Games bronze medallist (+92kg) said. At 6'5' and weighing 110 kgs, Narender is a veritable man-mountain who likes to use his reach, but most world beaters in his weight class weigh upwards of 120kgs. 'It's tough to put on that kind of muscle. We (Indians) are built differently, but that doesn't mean we can't beat them,' he said. Narender has been in the senior circuit for about 12 years and doesn't recall being challenged a lot at home. He never had a domestic heavyweight to look up to, so unsurprisingly, he feasted on Muhammad Ali's videos. 'I still watch his bouts sometimes,' the 30-year-old said. 'With Satish pursuing his coaching diploma, it's really up to the youngsters to come through and make their mark. Anshul Gill, if groomed well, can go on to do big things,' he added. Senior women's coach D Chandralal believes Indian heavyweights, despite their promise, are still some way off the world's best, technically. 'Strength and endurance can be developed at any age with right scientific guidance and I don't think we are too far behind the curve there, but technical deficiencies take their time to be ironed out,' he said. 'Our heavyweights are still work in progress but we have an exciting bunch to work with. They need to get better at throwing the decisive power punches. I am also working on their footwork. We need to move faster and hit harder,' the coach added. The recent uptick in performance is also down to the diversified pathways to tap talent. While national championships remain the primary feeder, REC Open Talent Hunt and the recently-concluded Elite Women' s Tournament in Telangana have served as talent identification platforms. There was also the inaugural Chief of Army Staff Tournament for men in May while BFI's interim committee is also planning a Federation Cup after this year's World Championships. 'We have identified heavyweight and super heavy as focus areas and the multiple talent ID streams will help us earmark some promising boxers. Unlike the previous cycle, each weight division at the national camp will have at least six boxers which means better sparring,' Colonel Arun Malik, member of BFI's Interim Committee informed.
NDTV
14-07-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
IOA Forms Committee To Ascertain Delay In BFI Elections; Interim Panel Assures Polls By August 31
Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha has constituted a committee to ascertain the reasons for the prolonged delay in Boxing Federation of India elections even as the BFI Interim Panel on Sunday assured that the polls will be held by the August 31 deadline. The Fact-Finding Committee, formed on Friday, will also recommend a roadmap to ensure "fair and timely" elections. The new three-member committee is headed by IOA Treasurer Sahdev Yadav with IOA Executive Council member Bhupender Singh Bajwa and Advocate Payal Kakra as other members. "The term of the current Executive Committee of the BFI ended on Feb 2 and fresh elections have not been conducted since," Usha said in an IOA office order dated July 11. According to the order, the committee will examine the "current legal and administrative status of the BFI and assess the implications of the delay on the governance and functioning of boxing in India." It will also "recommend necessary actions, including engagement with World Boxing, and suggest a clear roadmap for holding elections in a fair and timely elections." The committee has been asked to submit its report within a week "so that the factual position can be presented to World Boxing." The formation of the panel comes after the Sports Ministry, in a letter dated July 5, requested Usha to "device a mechanism providing a suitable way forward in consultation with World Boxing to ensure elections are held at the earliest in accordance with the National Sports Code, 2011 and bye laws of BFI." Usha had also met World Boxing President Boris van der Vorst in Lausanne last month. The tenure of the previous BFI office-bearers ended on February 2. Elections were initially scheduled for March 28, but the process has since been stalled due to legal wrangling, including multiple appeals and counter-appeals. To ensure administrative continuity and oversight of domestic and international competitions, World Boxing set up a six-member Interim Committee, headed by Ajay Singh on April 7, with a 90-day mandate. Last week, it extended the committee's tenure and urged the panel to complete the election process by August 31. Interestingly, while Usha has announced the fact-finding panel, she has yet to nominate the final member of the BFI Interim Committee. Interim Committee assures timely BFI elections by August 31 deadline BFI Executive Director Arun Malik, who is also a member of the Interim Committee, in a statement on Sunday stated that the committee is "fully committed to delivering free and fair polls within the given timeline." "At the same time, it is important to reaffirm that the autonomy of the National Federation is governed by the framework laid down by the World Body," Malik said. Reacting to IOA's move to form a committee to examine the delay in BFI elections, Malik said the process is already underway and is transparent and accountable. "While we respect the intent behind the IOA's formation of a three-member fact-finding committee, the process under way is already transparent, accountable, and well-documented." "All key action points and developments have been formally communicated to both the IOA and the Ministry, ensuring complete institutional clarity," he added. The BFI has been plagued by internal strife and factionalism in the run-up to the elections. The Returning Officer, former Delhi High Court judge RK Gauba, had also resigned from his post, alleging a smear campaign against him. Former Sports Minister Anurag Thakur is set to contest for the Presidemt's post against incumbent Ajay Singh.
New Indian Express
13-07-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
IOA forms committee again, this time to ascertain roadmaps for early BFI elections
CHENNAI: IN a new twist to Indian boxing saga, the Indian Olympic Association formed a three-member committee to examine the delay in the election of the Boxing Federation of India. According to a letter signed by IOA president PT Usha, the committee was formed after the sports ministry sent a letter asking them to find ways to resolve the impasse after the tenure of BFI elected body got over on February 2. The three members committee will be headed by IOA's treasurer Sahdev Yadav, with executive committee member Bhupinder Singh Bajwa and lawyer Payal Kakra as the other two. What seems interesting is that Yadav and Bajwa had earlier objected to IOA president Usha forming an ad hoc committee when BFI tenure was over in February. This comes just a few days after World Boxing had sent a letter to the Interim Committee that is running the day to day affairs of the sport to hold elections by August 31. Usha in the letter said that the committee would ascertain the reasons for the delay in elections and the current legal and administrative status of the BFI. The panel also would assess the implications of the delay on the governance and functioning of boxing in India. The sports ministry in a letter dated July 5 had requested the IOA to provide a way forward in consultation with World Boxing to ensure elections are held at the earliest.
India Today
13-07-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Prolonged delay in Boxing Federation elections? IOA constitutes panel to investigate
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has constituted a fact-finding committee to investigate the prolonged delay in the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) elections, even as the federation's interim panel on Sunday reiterated its commitment to holding the polls by the August 31 three-member committee, formed on July 11, is chaired by IOA Treasurer Sahdev Yadav and includes IOA Executive Council member Bhupender Singh Bajwa and Advocate Payal Kakra. The panel has been tasked with examining the legal and administrative status of the BFI and evaluating the impact of the delay on the sport's governance in the the official IOA order, President PT Usha stated that the committee would also chart a roadmap to ensure 'fair and timely elections,' recommending necessary actions, including coordination with World Boxing. The panel is expected to submit its findings within a week. "The term of the current Executive Committee of the BFI ended on February 2 and fresh elections have not been conducted since," Usha noted in the committee's formation follows a July 5 letter from the Sports Ministry urging the IOA to devise a mechanism, in consultation with World Boxing, to expedite elections in line with the National Sports Code, 2011, and BFI had earlier met World Boxing President Boris van der Vorst in Lausanne to discuss the Wrangling and Interim OversightOriginally scheduled for March 28, the BFI elections have been repeatedly stalled due to legal challenges, appeals, and counter-appeals. To maintain operational continuity, World Boxing formed a six-member Interim Committee on April 7, headed by Ajay Singh, with a 90-day mandate. That tenure has now been extended, with a renewed call to conclude the elections by the end of the IOA's new probe, one position on the Interim Committee remains unfilled, with Usha yet to name the final Panel Says Election Process On TrackBFI Executive Director and Interim Committee member Arun Malik on Sunday said the panel remains committed to completing the elections within the stipulated timeframe.'We are fully committed to delivering free and fair polls within the given timeline,' Malik said, while underscoring the BFI's autonomy as per World Boxing's governance to the IOA's latest move, Malik maintained that the ongoing process is already 'transparent, accountable, and well-documented.''All key developments have been formally communicated to both the IOA and the Ministry, ensuring institutional clarity,' he Clouds Election Build-UpThe BFI has been mired in internal disputes and factionalism ahead of the elections. Former Delhi High Court judge RK Gauba, appointed as the Returning Officer, recently resigned, citing a smear campaign against Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur is expected to contest the presidential election, challenging incumbent Ajay Singh.- EndsMust Watch
