Pakistani kabaddi player Ubaidullah Rajput has found himself at the center of a controversy after participating in a tournament in Bahrain as a member of the Indian team. The incident has sparked reactions from fans and officials, raising questions about international representation and player conduct.
I Didn’t Know the Teams Were India and Pakistan
Ubaidullah Rajput, speaking to reporters, insisted that he was unaware he would be playing under the Indian banner. I swear, I didn’t know that the teams would be named India and Pakistan, he said. Rajput explained that he had previously participated in this annual tournament, which takes place in Bahrain every year.
Earlier, I played for one team, but they didn’t call me this time. Another team invited me, so I went, he added. He claimed that as he entered the field, friends informed him that he was playing for India. I told the commentator to clarify that this was not an India-Pakistan match, but just a local cup, Rajput said.
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Despite these reassurances, the match saw chants of India and Pakistan, leaving the player feeling blindsided. I never imagined that there would be nationalistic slogans or flag-waving. It’s just a cup, not a World Cup. Even if it were a World Cup, I would have played for Pakistan because I am Pakistani. I would give my life for Pakistan, he said.
Rajput expressed regret for any hurt caused by his participation. If anyone was upset because of me, I apologize to them, to my federation, my coaches, and my supporters. Let’s just leave this cup as it is—a simple tournament, he said.
Pakistan Kabaddi Federation Calls Emergency Meeting
The incident quickly drew the attention of the Pakistan Kabaddi Federation, which convened an emergency meeting to address the matter. According to the federation’s secretary, Rana Sarwar, the chairman, Chaudhry Shafaq Hussain, called the meeting for December 27.
Sixteen Pakistani players took part in the Bahrain tournament. This was not the national team, nor did they seek official approval. No No Objection Certificates (NOCs) were issued for their participation, Rana Sarwar said.
The secretary emphasized that it is unacceptable for national players to represent another country or wave a foreign flag. Playing for the Indian team and waving their flag is intolerable. An investigation will be conducted, strict action will be taken, and measures will be implemented against self-appointed promoters. No one will be allowed to participate in illegal events, he added.
Context and Reactions
This controversy highlights ongoing tensions around international sporting events involving India and Pakistan, two countries with a long-standing rivalry. In sports such as cricket, hockey, and kabaddi, representing a foreign team, even unintentionally, can trigger strong public reactions.
Kabaddi, a traditional South Asian sport, has gained popularity internationally, with tournaments in the Gulf states, including Bahrain, attracting teams from multiple countries. However, the lack of oversight in some private events has occasionally led to confusion about team representation.
Ubaidullah Rajput’s situation underscores the importance of clear communication between players, organizers, and federations, particularly in events that may be misinterpreted as official international competitions.
Moving Forward
The Pakistan Kabaddi Federation’s upcoming inquiry could have implications for the players involved and the organizers of the Bahrain tournament. Officials have stressed that rules regarding international representation will be strictly enforced to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Meanwhile, fans and the wider kabaddi community are closely watching how the federation handles the situation. While Rajput insists that he had no intention of disrespecting Pakistan, the controversy has reignited debates about loyalty, professionalism, and accountability in international sports.
