Kiren Rijiju to order inquiry into Pakistan trip by Kabaddi players

The Sports Ministry is considering an investigation into the Indian team’s involvement in an ‘unauthorized’ World Cup in a circle-style Kabaddi World Cup. According to the Sports Ministry, about 45 players and 12 officials have gone to the neighboring country without any official permission or approval.

Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports is about to initiate an inquiry into the matter,” said a Sports Ministry source. Another source said,

“Any disciplinary action against the players who have gone to participate in the unauthorized competition will begin only after the players return.”

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) said on Monday that it has not approved any kabaddi team’s tour of Pakistan for the world-class tournament. It is to be noted that the team from India reached Lahore on Saturday via the Wagah border to participate in the championship, which is being held in Pakistan for the first time. After the team reached there, their pictures went viral on social media, causing a stir in the Indian sports world.

Additionally, the World Kabaddi Federation (WKF) clarified on Monday that the World Championship in Pakistan is ‘unauthorized’ and “no institution will officially recognize the certificate” of the meet.

On Tuesday, International Kabaddi Federation (IKF) president Janardhan Singh Gehlot also echoed the same stand on the competition in Pakistan as he said

“It is a fake tournament, fake players are participating in it. Countries like Australia and Canada participating in the Circle World Cup being played in Pakistan are not recognized by the International Federation. These countries did not play circle kabaddi.”

The Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) claimed that they have not approved any player to play in Pakistan. The role of Punjab Kabaddi Union, in this case, is also being questioned as almost all the players who participated in the tournament are registered with the state association. The state association does not have the authority to send players to international tournaments.