Kabaddi in Crisis: Allegations, power struggles, and a fight for the future

The world of Kabaddi is in a complex web of allegations, power struggles, and a fight for the future direction of the sport. At the center of this controversy lies the administration of the sport's governing bodies, the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) and the International Kabaddi Federation (IKF).

A recent letter by a prominent member of the Kabaddi community, K P Rao, throws light on these issues. Rao accuses the AKFI of failing to act in the best interests of Kabaddi and its players. He alleges a lack of transparency and accountability in the administration, particularly regarding a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Mashal Sports company, owners of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL).

Financial Irregularities: Rao claims that the AKFI has lost a significant amount of money (200 crore rupees) due to inaction against the PKL. He questions why a proper tender process wasn't followed to secure the best deal for Kabaddi, potentially leading to missed financial opportunities.
Player Welfare: The letter highlights concerns about player compensation. Rao suggests that players in the PKL and even technical staff are not receiving fair remuneration. He envisions a scenario where increased revenue could benefit players through better facilities, nutrition, and financial support.
Doubts over Legitimacy: Rao raises questions about the validity of the MoU signed with the PKL. He points out that the then-president of AKFI, who signed the agreement, was later removed from her position by a court order. This raises questions about the legality of the MoU itself.
Lack of Transparency: A central theme of Rao's letter is the alleged lack of transparency within the AKFI and IKF. He criticizes the administration for not keeping member associations informed and for not following proper procedures.

The IKF and Sri Lanka's Potential Exit:

The situation is further complicated by the potential withdrawal of the Sri Lanka Kabaddi Federation (SLKF) from the IKF. This move comes amidst allegations of the IKF president, Vinod Tiwari, using his influence to pressure the Sri Lankan Olympic Committee to force the SLKF to remain. The IKF's struggles to expand beyond Asia and the rise of the World Kabaddi Federation as a competing governing body add another layer to the conflict.

What's at Stake?

The outcome of this conflict has significant implications for the future of Kabaddi. Here's take a of look at the potential consequences:

Loss of Credibility: If the allegations of financial mismanagement and lack of transparency are not addressed, the AKFI and IKF risk losing the trust of players, member associations, and fans. This could damage the sport's reputation and hinder its growth.
Player Welfare: Ensuring fair compensation and proper facilities for players is crucial for the sport's development. A lack of focus on player welfare could discourage talented individuals from pursuing Kabaddi professionally.
International Standing: The divide between the IKF and the World Kabaddi Federation could lead to a fractured international Kabaddi scene. This could make it difficult to organize major tournaments and dampen the sport's global appeal.

A Call for Reform:

Independent Audits: Conducting independent audits of financial dealings can help address concerns about mismanagement and ensure transparency.
Open Communication: Regular communication with member associations and players is essential to build trust and address concerns proactively.
Constitutional Reforms: Reviewing and revising the constitutions of the AKFI and IKF to ensure proper procedures and democratic functioning is crucial.
Focus on Player Welfare: Implementing measures to improve player compensation, facilities, and overall well-being should be a top priority.

The future of Kabaddi hinges on the ability of its governing bodies to address these critical issues. Reforming the administration, ensuring transparency, and prioritizing player welfare are essential steps towards a brighter future for the sport. Kabaddi has the potential to be a global phenomenon, but it needs strong leadership and a unified approach to achieve its true potential.