NewKerala.com

Sports Ministry Steps In, Orders IOA to Form Ad-Hoc Karate Committee

The Sports Ministry has directed the Indian Olympic Association to form an ad-hoc committee to manage Karate in India. This move addresses the confusion caused by at least five different bodies claiming to be the sport's national federation. The intervention is deemed urgent with Karate featuring in the upcoming Asian Games in Japan. The ministry warned that the ongoing dispute harms athlete preparation and the orderly administration of the sport.

Key Points: IOA to Form Ad-Hoc Committee for Karate Administration

  • Ministry cites governance confusion
  • Five bodies claim national authority
  • Aim is to ensure athlete preparation for Asian Games
  • Karate offers 56 medals at Asian Games
2 min read

Sports Ministry asks IOA to form ad-hoc committee to run Karate amid federation dispute

Sports Ministry directs IOA to set up an ad-hoc committee to resolve Karate's federation dispute and ensure athlete preparation for Asian Games.

"Such a measure is indispensable to safeguard the preparation and progression of athletes - Sports Ministry letter"

New Delhi, February 24

The Sports Ministry has directed the Indian Olympic Association to constitute an ad-hoc committee to oversee the administration of Karate in the country, citing confusion caused by multiple bodies claiming to be the sport's national federation, according to ESPN.

At present, at least five bodies, the All India Karate-Do Federation (AIKDF), Karate Association of India (KAI), Karate India Organisation (KIO), Karate India and The Karate Federation of India (TKFI), have laid claim to being the official governing authority for the sport in India. Karate was not included in the 2024 Olympic Games roster, but its presence at the Asian Games has made administrative clarity essential to ensure uninterrupted athlete preparation and participation in international events.

In a communication addressed to IOA President PT Usha, the ministry underscored the urgency of establishing a structured governance mechanism, particularly with Karate set to feature in this year's Asian Games, set to be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4.

The discipline will offer a total of 56 medals at the continental event, increasing the stakes for Indian athletes preparing for the competition.

The ministry noted that the ongoing dispute among various organisations has impaired the "orderly administration" of the sport and created uncertainty for players and officials alike.

"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," the ministry stated.

Emphasising the immediate need for intervention, the letter added, "Such a measure is indispensable to safeguard the preparation and progression of athletes within the Karate discipline, for the Asian Games and all other forthcoming international tournaments and championships, which are bound to suffer irreparably if immediate steps to establish a proper governance mechanism in the interim are not undertaken."

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
As someone who follows sports administration, this is a classic case of ego clashes hurting the sport. All these bodies are more interested in power and grants than in karatekas. Hope the ad-hoc committee has some former athletes who understand the ground reality.
D
David E
Watching from abroad, it's frustrating to see. India has so much potential in martial arts. This administrative mess must be cleared up fast so the athletes can focus. 56 medals at the Asian Games is a huge opportunity. Don't let them down.
A
Ananya R
My cousin is a national level karate player and the stories she tells about this federation politics are sad. One day one group says they are official, next day another. Players' careers are stuck. Thank you Sports Ministry for stepping in 🙏
V
Vikram M
Good move, but will it be temporary or lead to a permanent solution? We need a single, recognized federation like BCCI for cricket or AIFF for football. This ad-hoc committee must have a mandate to resolve the dispute for good, not just for the Asiad.
P
Priya S
Respectfully, while the intervention is needed, the Sports Ministry and IOA themselves are often slow to act. Why wait until the Asian Games are so close? This confusion has been going on for years. Our system is always in "fire-fighting" mode, never preventive.
K

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50