A significant controversy has erupted in the world of kabaddi after a player from Pakistan was handed a ban for his actions at a private tournament overseas. The incident has sparked discussions about national representation and federation rules in sports.
The Incident and Immediate Fallout
Ubaidullah Rajput, a kabaddi athlete from Pakistan, has been banned by the Pakistan Kabaddi Federation (PKF). The decision came following an emergency meeting held by the PKF on Saturday, December 28, 2025. The ban was imposed because Rajput represented a team based in India at a private competition called the GCC Cup in Bahrain earlier in December.
The federation's action stems from two major violations. Firstly, Rajput participated in the event without obtaining the mandatory No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the PKF. Secondly, and more controversially, he was seen wearing an Indian jersey during the competition. Photos and videos from the event, which showed him in the jersey and even waving the Indian flag, went viral on social media, bringing the incident to light.
Federation's Stance and Player's Defense
Rana Sarwar, the Secretary of the Pakistan Kabaddi Federation, confirmed the details. He stated that Rajput's failure to secure an NOC was a clear breach of protocol. Sarwar also revealed that several other Pakistani players who took part in the same private event without NOCs have been fined.
However, Ubaidullah Rajput has issued an apology and presented a different side to the story. He claimed he was invited to play in Bahrain but was unaware that the team would be presented as an Indian side. "I didn’t know until later that they had named the side an Indian team, and I told the organisers not to use the names of India and Pakistan," Rajput explained.
He argued that while Indian and Pakistani players have often teamed up in private tournaments, it has never been under the official banners of their respective nations. "I found out later that I was misrepresented as playing for the Indian team, which I can’t think of doing after the conflict," he added, referring to the historical tensions between the two countries.
Possible Appeal and Broader Implications
Despite the ban, the PKF secretary indicated that Rajput retains the right to challenge the decision before the federation's disciplinary committee. This leaves the door open for a potential appeal where the player can present his case formally.
This incident highlights the strict regulations sports federations enforce regarding national representation, even at private events. It underscores the sensitive nature of India-Pakistan sporting relations, where symbols like jerseys and flags carry immense weight. The episode serves as a cautionary tale for athletes about the importance of following official procedures and being acutely aware of the teams they represent on the international stage.
