The Supreme Court, in an important decision, has directed the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to ensure that Indian Kabbadi players can participate in the upcoming Asian Kabbadi Championship 2025, which will be held in Iran from February 20 to 25.
Additionally, the Court has ordered Justice (Retired) SP Garg, who was previously appointed as the administrator of the Amateur Kabbadi Federation of India (AKFI) by the Delhi High Court, to hand over the Federation’s charge to the newly elected governing body. The elections for the AKFI were held on December 24, 2023.
"Considering the urgency of the participation of Indian players in the Senior Asian Kabbadi Championship (Women) 2025, this order has been passed," observed the Court.
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A bench consisting of Justice Surya Kant and Justice NK Singh issued this ruling in response to a writ petition filed by women Kabbadi players Priyanka and Pooja, who sought permission to participate in the championship.
The International Kabbadi Federation had earlier suspended the AKFI due to governance issues, stating that it was not being managed by an elected body. However, with the Court’s directive, the International Kabbadi Federation is now expected to abide by its assurances and recognize the elected body’s authority.
"On the entrustment of the charge of the AKFI to the elected body, the International Kabbadi Federation shall abide by its assurances/undertaking given in its letter dated February 6, 2025," stated the Supreme Court in its order.
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Senior Advocate K. Parameshwar, representing the petitioners, emphasized the urgent need for training and selection of players for the tournament.
"The tournament starts on the 20th. Our team is not officially picked yet, although we have a standing team. We want a conditioning camp, and we need the team to be placed. Please ask the Committee to take a decision within the next two days," he pleaded before the Court.
The Court acknowledged the urgency of the matter and directed the governing body of AKFI to take immediate steps for selecting the team for the championship.
Furthermore, the Government of India, through the Ministry of Youth Affairs, has been instructed to ensure that the Indian team is allowed to participate without any further delays.
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The Supreme Court also made it clear that this decision should not be seen as an endorsement of the AKFI elections. The validity of the election and other related issues remain open for further adjudication.
"This order should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the AKFI elections. The matter will remain open for further examination," the Court clarified.
While passing this order, the Court appreciated the efforts of Justice SP Garg, who was previously overseeing the AKFI.
"Justice Garg has done a commendable job in bringing transparency to the administration of the AKFI," noted the Court.
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The matter is scheduled for further hearing on March 3, 2025. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring transparency and good governance in sports bodies.
Previously, on February 4, the Court had raised concerns about the lack of transparency in sports administration and even discussed the possibility of a CBI investigation. However, the latest interim order does not prevent further examination of these issues.
Case Details:
- Case Title: PRIYANKA & ANR. VERSUS UNION OF INDIA & ORS
- Case Number: WP(C) 93/2015
