Pakistani kabaddi player Ubaidullah Rajput faces action for playing for Indian team in Bahrain event
PTC Web Desk: Popular Pakistani international kabaddi player Ubaidullah Rajput is facing the possibility of strict disciplinary action after he played for a team named India during a private kabaddi tournament held in Bahrain on December 16.
The issue came to light after videos and photos went viral on social media, showing Rajput wearing an Indian jersey and waving the Indian flag during the GCC Cup. The visuals sparked outrage, prompting the Pakistan Kabaddi Federation to take notice.
Pakistan Kabaddi Federation (PKF) secretary Rana Sarwar said an emergency meeting had been called on December 27 to discuss the matter and decide on action against Rajput and other players involved.
Sarwar clarified that the tournament was a private event, where organisers formed teams under different country names such as India, Pakistan, Canada and Iran. However, he said players were expected to represent teams linked to their own nationality.
“Indian players played for the Indian private team, but Ubaidullah Rajput appearing for that side is unacceptable given the present situation,” Sarwar said.
He also claimed that 16 Pakistani players travelled to Bahrain without permission from the federation or the Pakistan Sports Board. “Action will also be taken against those players for wrongly playing under the name of the Pakistan team,” he added.
Following the controversy, Rajput issued an apology, saying he was invited to play in the event as part of a private team and was unaware initially that it had been named after India.
“I came to know later that the organisers had named the team India. I asked them not to use the names of India or Pakistan,” Rajput said.
He added that in earlier private tournaments, Indian and Pakistani players had played together in mixed teams, but never under official country names.
“I was misrepresented. I cannot think of representing India, especially after the recent conflict. I regret the misunderstanding,” Rajput said.
- With inputs from agencies
