World Kabaddi to send legal notice to IKF over 'Fake Kabaddi World Cup' allegations

World Kabaddi is the legally registered governing body for the sport of Kabaddi, with 56 national federations as members.

World Kabaddi has hit back at the International Kabaddi Federation (IKF) and questioned them about the credibility of comments made on the recently concluded Kabaddi World Cup in Midlands, England. The IKF had earlier declared the tournament to be illegitimate and illegal. None of the national kabaddi federations that were involved in the kabaddi medal events at the Asian Games were participating in this competition. 

This was the second edition of the competition organized by World Kabaddi, which was held from 17 to 23 March. The men’s competition featured nine teams and the women’s event featured six teams, India finished top in both categories. It is worth noting that the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) has said that they have not permitted these teams to play. The IKF later hit out at it, claiming it was a ‘Fake World Cup’ and threatened to take action against all stakeholders involved.

In a press release, World Kabaddi termed these allegations as irresponsible, frivolous, and motivated by pure malice. They pointed to the fact that they have organised several international tournaments across the world, including the 2019 World Cup, and several European and African championships, and plan to host more such events.

Also Read: Indian Kabaddi Federation ban to be lifted, confirms IKF President

They said that the Kabaddi World Cup has nothing to do with any other federation. Citing the dispute between the International Surfing Federation (ISA) and the International Canoe Federation (ICF), they mentioned the stance of the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which allowed the presence of multiple governing bodies for a sport.

Although the IKF is affiliated with the Asian Olympic Council (OCA) and is responsible for hosting the Asian Games, they are not recognized by the International Olympic Association (IOC), as the IOC itself does not recognize the sport.

World Kabaddi further claimed that they were being targeted despite other organizations hosting similar events too, mainly because they are registered outside of India while the likes of IKF, World Kabaddi Federation (WKF), International Amateur Kabaddi Federation (IAKF) and World Amateur Kabaddi Federation (WAKF) are based in India. They attributed this to the IKF’s ‘ego’ and their “belief that they have a stranglehold over the sport in the nation”.

They further questioned the credibility of IKF, considering that the Supreme Court of India had directed the Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to suggest an investigative mechanism for effective domestic and international probe, with the assistance of international Investigating Agencies, including the Interpol into their affairs, on 4th February 2025.

World Kabaddi also targeted IKF President Dr. Vinod Kumar’s stance of being the Kuwait Kabaddi Association (which is not registered with the Kuwait Olympic Association) President and the President of the Esports Federation of India, considering India doesn’t allow dual citizenship.

World Kabaddi reaffirmed their global position, claiming the support of fifty-six national federation members and five continental governing bodies. In contrast, only seventeen countries were stakeholders in the IKF elections.

World Kabaddi said that they have tried to tie up with IKF earlier also, for the sport’s growth but only got “spiteful, resentful and bitter” responses. They would now be looking to take legal action after discussing the matter with legal partners and the Central Board, following the continuous interference by the IKF.

The statement also spoke about the global viewership attained by the Kabaddi World Cup, which was telecasted live by BBC iPlayer, DD Sports, etc. They said the recent developments have not tarnished the tournament’s image among the Kabaddi community as the community celebrates World Kabaddi Day on March 24, which coincides with the date of formation of World Kabaddi.

They also announced their ambitions to organize the next edition in 2027. Set to be hosted by the Pan America Kabaddi Association, this will be the first time the event enters the continent.

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