SBF and school’s response sparks further online scrutiny of Abdul Wafi’s 2022 bullying incident

SINGAPORE: Despite responses from the Singapore Boxing Federation (SBF) and Junyuan Secondary School regarding a 2022 video that resurfaced showing national boxer Abdul Wafi Idris allegedly involved in a bullying incident, netizens remained dissatisfied, expressing further scrutiny over how they handled the case.

They called for details on the “appropriate actions” taken against the assailant in 2022, including whether a police investigation was conducted.

Some also criticised the SBF for seemingly downplaying Wafi’s past misconduct, emphasising the need for accountability and warning that leniency could empower bullies and signal that such actions are acceptable.

SBF: Boxer Abdul Wafi shows ‘significant growth’ after 2022 bullying incident

On Monday (28 October), a 1-minute-and-32-second video, initially shared on the Telegram channel SG Share, surfaced, capturing an incident in a school restroom involving Wafi, dressed in a school uniform, confronting another student.

The video depicts Wafi grabbing the other student and, after a brief struggle, delivering a punch that left the victim staggered against the restroom door.

Wafi subsequently delivered a knee to the head and additional strikes while the student shielded himself on the ground.

In the footage, Wafi can be heard accusing the student of “talking” negatively about his group, following up the assault by forcing an apology from his target on camera.

Video circulating of National boxer seen beating up student in school toilet. He is currently representing Singapore in the U19 World Boxing Championships in Colorado.
byu/ElectricalSavings892 inSingaporeRaw

Video emerges online as Abdul Wafi competes in U19 World Boxing Championships in USA

The video was shared online coinciding with Abdul Wafi’s participation in the U19 World Boxing Championships in Colorado, USA, from 25 October to 5 November.

The SBF informed MustShare News that they were not involved in handling disciplinary actions related to the 2022 incident, as it occurred before Wafi joined the Singapore National Boxing Team.

According to SBF, Abdul Wafi took responsibility for his actions, underwent counseling with his school, and reached an amicable resolution with the other party involved.

SBF stated that Wafi had shown “significant personal growth” since joining the national programme and expressed confidence in his development, noting that he has consistently been held to the same “high standards of conduct” as other athletes within the organisation.

“We are confident that Mr Abdul Wafi has grown as an individual, channelling his energy productively through the sport,” the spokesperson told MS News, adding confidence in Wafi’s readiness to represent Singapore responsibly and emphasizing the importance of focusing on his current efforts and future potential.

“We believe it is important to focus on the present and future,” added SBF.

School claims to have followed up on 2022 bullying incident with “appropriate actions”

Separately, in response to queries from Mothership, Junyuan Secondary School stated on 28 October that it is aware of a video of the incident circulating online.

The school indicated that it was alerted to the incident on the same day it occurred and has “followed up with appropriate actions, including counselling, to help the student reflect on the incident and learn from it in order to change and grow.”

In August 2022, the then 15-year-old Wafi participated in the Sarawak Open Boxing Championship, competing in the featherweight (U-57kg) category, where he won a gold medal.

SBF praised his potential, highlighting both his performance in competitions and his personal efforts within the national team.

Wafi’s Instagram account has been inactive and inaccessible following the video’s spread online.

Netizens remain dissatisfied with responses from SBF and Junyuan Secondary School

Despite the responses from the Singapore Boxing Federation (SBF) and Junyuan Secondary School, netizens remain dissatisfied with their replies.

Commenting on Mothership‘s Facebook post and on Reddit, many netizens are asking more pertinent questions regarding the details of the “appropriate actions” taken against the assailant.

Some have also suggested that a police investigation should intervene in the school bullying case.

Netizens skeptical of SBF’s claims on Wafi’s growth and handling of 2022 bullying incident

Some expressed skepticism regarding whether the SBF is attempting to downplay the 2022 bullying incident.

They argued that the incident occurred only two years ago, which is not a significant amount of time.

Additionally, some questioned SBF’s claim that Mr Wafi has already changed into a “grown and responsible” individual.

Others sought further clarification on whether the case is being handled lightly, given that the incident could be considered criminal.

A Redditor expressed frustration with the SBF for seemingly using the notion of potential and future success as an excuse to overlook or excuse Wafi’s past actions.

Redditor questions whether Wafi was already receiving boxing training during 2022 bullying incident

One Redditor also raised concerns about whether Wafi was already receiving boxing training when the incident occurred, noting that by August 2022, he had already participated in competitions and won medals.

Some stressed that it doesn’t matter if he has matured; he needs to be accountable for his actions, especially since the board has done nothing to ensure accountability to the victim.

They argued that leniency empowers bullies and endorses their actions as acceptable.