AKFI turmoil leaves players in a fix

NEW DELHI, May 18: With six months to go for the Bangkok Asian Games, the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) is embroiled in controv...

NEW DELHI, May 18: With six months to go for the Bangkok Asian Games, the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) is embroiled in controversy.

The problem here is a parallel governing body by the same name. This despite the fact that the AKFI headed by Kuldeep Vats is recognised by Ministry of Human Resource Development, Asian Amateur Kabaddi Federation and Registrar of Societies. Yet, another group under J.S. Gahlot, one of the vice-presidents of Indian Olympic Association, is claiming to be the real governing body.

Though players are attending Asiad preparatory camps at Sports Authority of India centre at Patiala being conducted by AKFI (Vats group), they are unsure about the future as the rival body’ too has announced dates for camps to be held in Bangalore this month.

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The only way out now is judicial intervention. The Madras High Court on May 14 restrained Gahlot from “conducting kabaddi matches, camps, and other allied activities, in any manner and in any form” in the name of AKFI till further orders. The court has adjourned the hearing to June 8.

Clarifying his position, Kuldeep Vats said that he had attended the IOA general body meeting in November as AKFI president. Vats produced all relevant papers, including letters from HRD, Asian Amateur Kabaddi Federation and the Registrar of Societies, to prove his point. Vats also informed that the election meeting of AKFI was held in Delhi on 19 October in which O.P. Bhatia, executive director of SAI on behalf of Government of India, and H.R. Tuladhar on the behalf of Nepal Asian Amateur Kabaddi Federation were observers.

Expressing disappointment on the issue in a press meet today, Vats felt that such controversies will affect the team in major tournaments.

Meanwhile, the AKFI announced further programmes as a run-up to Asian Games. AKFI will be hosting Asian Championships this year after three strenuous camps at Patiala. Before that, the Indian men’s team will participate in the Chinese sports festival.