Demand arises to release registration fees to State/UT units

The only recognized body in India that uplifts kabaddi is the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI). To ensure a pool of talent is participating in the federation, the federation has been calling on players to enroll. This registration process is coupled with charges of Rs. 500 per individual player, which is a lifetime membership. 

To encourage state and union territory associations, the AKFI has promised to release 50% of the registration fees collected from players every financial year to the State/UT units. This provision was intended to put power back into the Federation and make it possible for local associations to fund grassroots development, training facilities, and organization of local tournaments as well. 

But even though the guidelines are quite transparent and thousands of players are already registered, there are doubts regarding the time it takes to release these funds to State/UT units. This has crystallized much to the detriment of these associations because the delay is imposing a great financial strain that prevents them from properly marketing and developing kabaddi at grassroots levels. 

The state and UT associations have been quite proactive in their efforts to popularize the AKFI registration among the players. They have undertaken sensitization activities, assisted in the enlisting of people, and made sure that all the relevant papers were produced. 

As of 30 October 2022, the number of registered players is 24495. These players have got their ID cards from AKFI. The players who registered themselves after this date have not received any ID cards. 

The implications are thus dire; there is no money. It has reduced the capacity of the local associations to stage competitions, host training camps, and offer the required requisite to those interested in kabaddi. This scenario signifies that competent authorities cannot adequately mobilize resources that are required to develop Kabaddi as a sport. 

It is important that the AKFI therefore find a solution to this problem as soon as possible. The prompt delivery of registration fees to the state/UT units is not only an ontology of fair share but also one of the vital processes toward the structural solidity of the sport. The AKFI can offer sufficient support to the local associations so that they are in a position to contribute their maximum toward the development of kabaddi.

It is worrisome that the funds are released rather late to the state/UT units. It is thus wanting in ways that negatively affect the trust and confidence that the associations have invested in the AKFI. The federation should not sit idly and watch while its players are subjected to this kind of treatment, this is why the federation should act now and make sure that these funds are released without any postponement.