Pakistani Kabaddi Player Faces Action for Playing with Indian Team

Ubaidullah Rajput, a prominent international kabaddi player from Pakistan, is facing potential disciplinary action following his participation in a private tournament in Bahrain. His involvement in the event has raised significant controversy after images and videos of him donning an Indian jersey and waving the Indian flag during the GCC Cup on December 16 circulated widely on social media. Rajput's appearance for a team labelled as India has attracted sharp criticism from officials in Pakistan.

Rana Sarwar, secretary of the Pakistan Kabaddi Federation, confirmed that an emergency meeting has been convened for December 27 to discuss the incident and determine the appropriate actions against Rajput and other players implicated. Sarwar clarified that the Bahrain tournament was privately organised, with teams named after various countries, including India, Pakistan, Canada, and Iran. However, he emphasised that each team was expected to be composed of players from its respective nation.

"I can confirm it was a private event with private teams formed under the names of India, Pakistan, Canada, Iran, etc., by the organisers. But all the teams had players of their own origin. Indian players represented the Indian private side, and Ubaidullah played for them, which is unacceptable in these circumstances," Sarwar stated.

Additionally, Sarwar disclosed that 16 Pakistani players had travelled to Bahrain on their own accord, without prior approval from the Pakistan Kabaddi Federation or the Pakistan Sports Board. Consequently, action will also be taken against these players for misrepresenting themselves under the name of the Pakistan team.

In light of the situation, Rajput has publicly apologised and provided an explanation for his participation. He stated that he was invited to join the tournament and selected for a private team, but was not initially informed that the team would be represented as the Indian side. "I did not know until later that they had named the side as the Indian team, and I told the organisers not to use the names of India and Pakistan," Rajput explained.

He also pointed out that in previous private competitions, Indian and Pakistani players have participated together in mixed teams, but never under the banner of national identities. "I was not under the impression until I found out later that I was misrepresented as playing for the Indian team, which I can’t think of doing, especially after the conflict," he added.

The Pakistan Kabaddi Federation is now set to deliberate on the matter, with Rajput’s future in the sport uncertain as officials assess the circumstances surrounding his participation in the Bahrain event.