Pakistani Kabaddi Player Ubaidullah Rajput Faces Backlash for Playing for India in Private Tournament

Karachi: Pakistani international kabaddi player Ubaidullah Rajput is facing potential disciplinary action after playing for an Indian team in a private tournament in Bahrain. On 16 December, Rajput donned the Indian jersey and was seen waving the Indian flag during the GCC Cup. Videos and photos of the incident quickly went viral, prompting the Pakistan Kabaddi Federation (PKF) to call an emergency meeting on 27 December to discuss possible action against him and other players involved.

PKF Reacts
PKF Secretary Rana Sarwar stated, “This was a private tournament where teams were created under names like India, Pakistan, Canada, and Iran, with players from the respective countries. Ubaidullah playing for India under these circumstances is unacceptable.” Sarwar added that 16 Pakistani players participated in Bahrain without permission from the federation or the Pakistan Sports Board, and disciplinary measures will be taken against them for representing another country.

Ubaidullah Rajput’s Response
Rajput has apologized and clarified that he was invited to participate in a private team, unaware that it was named “India.” He stated, “I requested the organizers not to use India and Pakistan as team names. I did not know it would be presented as an India-Pakistan match. I was informed by friends only as I entered the field, and the commentator clarified that it was a local game, not an official India-Pakistan match.”

Who is Ubaidullah Rajput?
Ubaidullah Rajput is an experienced international kabaddi defender, known for his agility and formidable strength on the mat. Nicknamed “Jin Jhappi” for his impactful tackling style, Rajput has represented Pakistan in numerous international tournaments and remains a key figure in domestic kabaddi.

With the federation considering strict action, Rajput’s future in international kabaddi hangs in the balance.