A controversy has erupted in the Kabaddi community after a Pakistani player was inadvertently seen representing an Indian team during a tournament in Bahrain. Ubaidullah Rajput, a registered player with the Pakistan Kabaddi Federation (PKF), appeared in the Indian team’s jersey and was captured waving the Indian flag, sparking outrage among fans and officials alike.
The incident came to light after images and videos of Rajput celebrating with the Indian team circulated widely on social media, prompting strong reactions from the Pakistani sporting community. Observers expressed disappointment and raised questions about player eligibility and the oversight mechanisms in place during international tournaments.
In response, the Pakistan Kabaddi Federation has announced an emergency General Council meeting scheduled for December 27. PKF Secretary Rana Sarwar confirmed that the session will be held under the guidance of federation chairman Chaudhry Shafay Hussain, with disciplinary measures and next steps to be formally discussed. The council is expected to assess the situation carefully, including whether the incident was accidental or involved negligence.
The PKF emphasized that Ubaidullah Rajput’s participation with the Indian side violates the federation’s regulations, which clearly prohibit representing foreign teams without prior approval. Officials noted that strict actions could be taken to maintain the integrity of Pakistan’s kabaddi program and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Sports analysts suggest that the incident highlights broader challenges in international kabaddi tournaments, including proper team verification and monitoring of players’ participation across borders. While Rajput’s exact explanation for the appearance has not been publicly disclosed, the federation has assured fans that the matter will be addressed transparently and decisively.
The situation has ignited a debate over sportsmanship, national representation, and the responsibilities of athletes competing abroad. Pakistani kabaddi enthusiasts have called for stricter protocols to ensure that national players adhere to federation guidelines and maintain the country’s reputation on the international stage.
The upcoming PKF General Council meeting is expected to draw significant attention, with decisions likely to influence disciplinary policies and set a precedent for handling similar cases in the future. The federation has reiterated its commitment to uphold national pride while fostering professional conduct among athletes.
