Conflict of Interest allegations arose after IKF barred the Indian Kabaddi team
The Indian Kabaddi is facing a major hurdle as the International Kabaddi Federation (IKF) has barred Indian teams from participating in international competitions. This decision comes amidst a dispute regarding the governance of the sport in India. Meanwhile, the situation has become more complex following allegations that the IKF chief is in a Conflict of Interest.
The IKF's Stance
The IKF, led by Mr. Vinodh Tiwari, claims that the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI), the governing body for Kabaddi in India, is not functioning as per their standards. They point out that AKFI is currently under the control of an administrator, following a legal dispute. The IKF considers this a violation of their affiliation requirements, which emphasize self-governance within national federations.
Conflict of Interest Allegations
Adding to this complexity is the role of Mr. Tiwari. While leading the IKF, he also holds a position within the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). This has led to accusations of a conflict of interest, as the IOC's Olympic Charter discourages individuals from holding positions that could potentially influence their decisions across different organizations.
Notably, the IKF is not affiliated with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and therefore, there is another standpoint that IOC shouldn't have a say in Indian Kabaddi's governance. Additionally, they emphasize that the legal dispute regarding AKFI's leadership is ongoing, and the courts have previously ruled in favour of democratic principles within sports administration.
What the National Sports Development Code of India (NSDCI) Says:
India's National Sports Code, established in 2011 (NSDCI), emphasizes good governance in sports organizations. This includes avoiding situations where someone in a leadership role might have conflicting interests. The code discourages officials from holding multiple positions that could make them biased or unable to act independently. This helps ensure fair and transparent management within sports federations in India.
Impact on Indian Kabaddi
It would be necessary to note that the IKF ban has direct impacts on Indian Kabaddi and the development of the sport. Fans will not get to see Indian Kabaddi players perform internationally; this will slow down the overall growth of the sport. The Indian players will be barred from participating in upcoming Senior Men’s World Beach Kabaddi Championships.
Thus, for the Indian Kabaddi fans, this situation implies a phase of instability. Furthermore, points concerning its potential for the long-term development of the sport and its status on the international level have to be raised.
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