The Supreme Court of India is taking a serious look at problems in the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) and other kabaddi organizations. On April 17, 2025, the court expressed concern that these groups focus more on politics and money issues than on players and the sport itself. To fix this, the court is considering a detailed investigation, either by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or a special commission.
The Case in the Supreme Court
The issue came up during a hearing for a legal petition (Writ Petition 93/2025) about AKFI’s recent elections and its elected leaders. Several people, including players and officials, filed complaints saying that AKFI and its connected state and district kabaddi groups are not being run properly. They pointed out problems like financial mismanagement and activities that have little to do with kabaddi. For example, some claimed that AKFI’s leadership includes people who are not connected to the sport, such as family members or friends of influential figures.
In response, the Supreme Court said it might order a CBI investigation or set up a special commission to look into these issues. However, the court first asked the Government of India to confirm if it would conduct the investigation itself. The Additional Advocate General, representing the government, requested two weeks to get instructions from the government. As a result, the court postponed the next hearing for two weeks.
Players and Coaches Speak Up
During the hearing, several individuals shared their concerns. For instance, Padmaja Bala, the coach of the Indian women’s kabaddi team and secretary of the Andhra Pradesh Kabaddi Association, filed a petition against a leader in her state’s kabaddi group. She asked for a CBI investigation into their activities. The court told her to submit a detailed written statement (affidavit) to support her claims.
Similarly, another person, Virendra Kumar, filed a petition against Tejashwi Singh Gahlot and his family, who are said to control AKFI and the International Kabaddi Federation (IKF). He accused them of running these organizations like a family business. The court accepted his petition and noted that it is aware of earlier Delhi High Court orders that removed Gahlot and his wife from AKFI leadership.
The Court’s Strong Message
The Supreme Court made it clear that it is unhappy with how kabaddi organizations are being managed. The judges remarked that these groups seem to have “no kabaddi players” and are not focused on the sport. Instead, they are caught up in disputes and questionable activities. The court even warned that it might dissolve such organizations if needed to protect the sport. Additionally, the judges urged players to stay away from these conflicts and focus on their game.
The court also heard from lawyers representing different groups. Some lawyers, like those for KP Rao, Raju Bhavasar, Honnappa, and Manojan Rajan, strongly supported a CBI investigation. They argued that AKFI and IKF are being mismanaged, with one lawyer calling IKF a “father-and-son organization” run from Jaipur. The court said it would review all the facts, including past court orders, to make a fair decision.
A Call for Change
KP Rao, a key figure in this case, has been fighting for better kabaddi administration since 2019. He played a big role in a 2023 Delhi High Court decision (called the KP Rao judgment) that enforced strict rules for sports organizations. Rao believes this case will bring justice to kabaddi. He wants AKFI and other kabaddi groups to be led by actual players or people with experience in the sport, not by relatives or friends of powerful individuals.
Rao also highlighted his contributions to kabaddi, such as starting beach kabaddi in 2004, which led to India winning 10 gold medals, and launching the Kabaddi Premier League in 2011, which made the sport popular after cricket. He claims that mismanagement by some AKFI members has cost the organization hundreds of crores of rupees, hurting the sport’s growth.
The Supreme Court’s push for an investigation could be a turning point for kabaddi in India. It’s a chance to remove corruption and ensure that organizations like AKFI serve players and the sport. As Rao says, “Justice may be delayed, but it cannot be denied.” With the court’s guidance and the community’s support, kabaddi could see brighter days ahead, where players’ hard work and talent comes on top.
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