A shocking incident in international kabaddi has stirred controversy as Pakistani player Ubaidullah reportedly played for an Indian team, wore its jersey, and waved the Indian flag during a tournament in Bahrain. The Pakistan Kabaddi Federation (PKF) has strongly condemned the act and announced a full investigation.
Federation Calls Emergency Meeting
The Pakistan Kabaddi Federation’s General Council has called an emergency meeting to address the incident. Federation Secretary Rana Sarwar confirmed that Chairman Chaudhry Shafaq Hussain scheduled the meeting for 27 December.
Sarwar said 16 Pakistani players participated in the Bahrain tournament. However, he emphasized that this was not Pakistan’s official national team. The players neither sought permission from the federation nor obtained a government No Objection Certificate (NOC).
Unauthorized Use of Pakistan’s Name
Rana Sarwar described the participating team as self-formed and said it used Pakistan’s name without approval. The federation and the government were not informed about the team’s participation, he added.
The incident, involving a national player representing a foreign team and displaying a rival country’s flag, is unacceptable. Sarwar stressed that the federation will take strict action against both the players and the unauthorized organizers.
Federation Promises Strict Action
The PKF announced that it will investigate the matter thoroughly. Sarwar warned that it would discipline the players involved and take action against the promoters of the unauthorized tournament. We will not allow anyone to participate in illegal events under Pakistan’s name, he said.
He added that the federation supports international collaboration in sports, such as clubs where players from multiple countries compete together. However, playing for a foreign national team and waving another country’s flag remains deeply regrettable.
Protecting National Pride
Officials highlighted that representing Pakistan internationally carries responsibility and honor. Unauthorized participation can damage the country’s image, Sarwar said. He warned that no individual or group will tarnish Pakistan’s sporting reputation.
The federation plans to review its protocols to ensure all Pakistani players gain approval before international tournaments. Officials will also tighten oversight of private promoters to prevent exploitation of athletes.
Context: Kabaddi and National Representation
Kabaddi, a contact sport originating in South Asia, enjoys widespread popularity in Pakistan and India. Pakistan competes regularly in international tournaments, including the Kabaddi World Cup, where national pride is closely tied to team representation.
While professional athletes often play for foreign clubs, wearing a rival country’s jersey while claiming national identity is highly controversial. The Pakistan-India sporting rivalry adds sensitivity to such incidents.
What Happens Next
The federation has demanded full transparency and accountability during the investigation. It warned players and promoters that unauthorized participation will carry consequences.
This incident highlights the tension between personal opportunities and the duty to represent Pakistan responsibly. The PKF’s actions could set a precedent for handling similar cases in the future.
