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Centre Orders IOA to Form Ad-Hoc Committee to Run Karate in India

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has directed the Indian Olympic Association to form an ad-hoc committee to oversee karate in India. This decision stems from serious governance deficiencies and multiple organizations claiming to manage the sport. The committee will handle athlete selection and entries for international competitions until a proper National Sports Federation is recognized. The Ministry emphasized the urgency to protect athletes' interests ahead of upcoming international events like the Asian Games.

Key Points: IOA to Form Ad-Hoc Committee for Karate Governance in India

  • Ministry directs IOA to form ad-hoc committee
  • Multiple bodies claim to govern karate
  • Committee to manage selections & entries
  • Aim is to ensure athlete continuity for events
2 min read

Centre orders IOA to form an ad-hoc committee to run karate in India

Sports Ministry directs IOA to form an ad-hoc committee to manage karate affairs, citing governance issues and multiple claiming bodies.

"it is crucial to protect athletes' interests and ensure continuity in the selection and participation processes. - Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports"

New Delhi, Feb 24

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has directed the Indian Olympic Association to form an ad-hoc committee to oversee and manage the affairs of karate in India.

The Ministry asked the IOA to constitute the ad-hoc committee in consultation with the relevant International Federation. The Ministry noted that multiple bodies are claiming to manage the sport in the country, and the prevailing situation relating to the sport of karate reflects serious governance deficiencies.

The committee will manage the sport of karate in India, including select teams and send entries for international competitions, until a suitable federation is recognised as the official National Sports Federation for this discipline.

In an order dated February 23, 2026, issued by the Ministry, the government noted that no federation is currently recognised as a National Sports Federation (NSF) for karate in India.

"In the exercise of the powers under the National Sports Development Code of India, 2011 (Sports Code), the Ministry, hereby, requests the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to constitute a transitory committee or Ad-Hoc Committee in consultation with the concerned International Federation, to oversee and manage the affairs of sport of Karate, including the selection of athletes and making of entries for the participation of sportspersons in international events till a suitable Federation is recognized by this Ministry as an NSF for the promotion and development of sports discipline of Karate," said the Ministry statement.

Multiple bodies - including the All India Karate-Do Federation, Karate Association of India, Karate India Organisation, Karate India, and The Karate Federation of India - have been claiming to govern the sport, leading to administrative confusion and legal battles.

The ministry said the recognition under the National Sports Development Code of India, 2011, carries important privileges. These include government grants, tax exemptions, and the ability to use the term "India" or "National" in a federation's name.

The order emphasised the seriousness of the situation. Karate is an Asian Games discipline that also appeared in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. It holds considerable potential for Indian athletes. However, factionalism, a lack of a unified national structure, and uncertainty within institutions have had a negative impact on athletes' training and participation.

The Ministry also highlighted the need for immediate action due to upcoming international events, including the Asian Games, saying that "it is crucial to protect athletes' interests and ensure continuity in the selection and participation processes."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who follows sports administration, this is a necessary but drastic step. The Sports Code exists for a reason. When federations can't get their act together and athletes suffer, the government has to step in. Let's hope this is temporary and leads to a proper, elected NSF soon.
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Priya S
My daughter is a state-level karate player. The confusion about which federation is legitimate has been a nightmare for selecting teams and getting certificates recognized. This government order is a relief for parents and athletes. Jai Hind!
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Rohit P
Typical Indian sports politics. Instead of working for the sport, these federation people are busy with their egos and legal cases. The real victims are the young athletes dreaming of representing India. Good move by the Ministry.
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Aman W
While I agree action was needed, I'm wary of too much government control in sports bodies. The IOA ad-hoc committee must be transparent and include former athletes and coaches, not just bureaucrats. The goal should be to build a strong, independent federation.
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Kavya N
Karate is so popular in schools and colleges across India. It's sad to see such a mess at the top level. Hope this committee streamlines everything and we start winning more medals at the Asian Games. The talent is definitely there!

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