Indian Kabaddi is in crisis, Check full details here

Kabaddi, a popular Indian sport, has gone global, with leagues happening around the world. However, a crisis has emerged between the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) and several state associations. The fight has now descended into the legal procedure and allegations of improper behaviour. This may damage the credibility of the sport and the future of Indian kabaddi. 

This is a clear account of why many district and state kabaddi associations are affiliated with the AKFI but they have not followed the constitution set down by the firm and they have not competed for election as directed by the organisation. This has been proved by RTI requests and court records as well as by various resources. 

The situation has been even worsened by different interpretations of some of the court orders regarding the election of the AKFI. While some parties assert that the recent elections that took place in December 2023 are valid, there are other parties which claim that these elections do not meet the rules outlined by the courts. 

On the same note, the IKF has waded into the conflict and has threatened to bar Indian beach kabaddi players from future international events. This has been highly criticized mainly because it looks and feels like a vengeance for the current insurgencies and revolts within the AKFI. 

Still, one of the most urgent issues discussed in the course of the crisis is the participation of people who are deprived of the right to work in the AKFI. However, these persons have not been allowed to participate in the regulation of the sport, while retaining affiliation to these institutions. 

This proves allegations that have been made regarding collusion between the AKFI and the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) have also cast a dark cloud over the fairness and transparency of the league. The extension of the MoU between the PKL and the AKFI has been said to be unsavory as the latter has come out in the media claiming that the MoU has already expired. 

Problems in the legal systems and cases as well as accusations of any misconduct have impacted negatively especially on the future of the sport by instilling a sense of uncertainty and lack of trust in the sport’s business circles within the sporting community of interest, the kabaddi community in this instance. The given situation poses a threat of undermining the image of the sport both on the national and international levels. 

The ideas are quite clear given the fact that the stakeholders involved in the squabbles should now come together and put into practice ways of repairing the image of kabaddi. A proper solution should be sought, which will help in sustaining the sport and its development in India. 

The following key actions are necessary to address the crisis:

• All parties to this election matter must ensure compliance with the orders of the court particularly concerning the AKFI elections and any other matters. 
• For the above reasons– The AKFI must conduct democratic and open elections that comply with the body’s constitution and the available court directions. 
• It is therefore desirable that a separate investigation is carried out to look into the cases of abuse of the AKFI and other related organizations. 
• To resolve the conflict the supports need to work towards regaining trust between the different parties. 
• The IKF should resolve the problems and measures the AKFI has made to maintain Indian teams in worldwide events. 

The future of the sport, therefore, will depend on how its authorities will manage to act for the best benefit of the athletes and the sport itself and not in individual self-interest and the pursuit of more substantial profits.