The International Kabaddi Federation (IKF) has firmly declared that the ongoing Kabaddi World Cup 2025 in the United Kingdom is unauthorized. The IKF emphasized that this event, organized under the banner of the so-called World Kabaddi Federation (WKF), is not recognized by the official governing body.

As the global governing authority for Kabaddi, recognized by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and the Asian Kabaddi Federation (AKF), the IKF stated that the tournament does not fall under its sanctioning. It further clarified that none of the official organizations overseeing Kabaddi competitions have endorsed this event.

The IKF also confirmed that no national Kabaddi federation affiliated with the OCA, AKF, or any recognized National Sports Federation (NSF) for Kabaddi is participating in the unauthorized event. These federations, responsible for the sport within their respective countries, have not sanctioned their teams’ participation. The statement specifically highlighted that the so-called India team competing in this event does not have official backing from the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI), the governing body for Kabaddi in India.

Additionally, the IKF urged the AKFI to take appropriate action against the India team involved in this unauthorized tournament. It also called on other national federations under the AKF and its affiliates to ensure that no teams misrepresent their countries in this event.

The IKF’s strong stance aims to protect the integrity of the sport, ensuring that any Kabaddi competition, especially those involving national teams, is conducted under proper recognition and authority. The federation has also communicated its concerns to national Olympic bodies, urging them not to grant sanction or recognition to teams participating in the unapproved Kabaddi World Cup.

–IANS