Prominent Pakistan kabaddi player Ubaidullah Rajput faces an indefinite ban from the Pakistan Kabaddi Federation (PKF) after videos surfaced showing him celebrating a victory by wearing an Indian team jersey and draping the Indian Tricolour flag around his shoulders. The federation imposed the sanction following an emergency meeting on Saturday, December 28, 2025, citing violation of No Objection Certificate (NOC) rules that govern participation in overseas events.
NOC violation and tournament controversy
PKF Secretary Rana Sarwar confirmed that Rajput not only travelled abroad without proper NOC clearance from the federation or other relevant authorities but also represented what appeared to be an Indian team during the private tournament in Bahrain. Sarwar noted that Rajput wrapped the Indian flag around his shoulders after winning a match, an action the federation deemed unacceptable regardless of context.
“The private tournament would have been a non-issue. But he is guilty of flouting NOC rules,” Sarwar stated in the official report, adding that other players involved in the same event without obtaining clearances have also been banned and fined. The federation emphasised that such lapses undermine national representation and expose players to unauthorised international commitments.
Player issues apology, claims misrepresentation
Rajput issued a public apology, stating he was invited to play in the Bahrain tournament but was unaware until later that the side had been named an Indian team. “I told the organisers not to use the names of India or Pakistan. In private competitions of the past, Indian and Pakistani players have played together for private teams never under those names,” he explained.
The player maintained that he was misrepresented as playing for the Indian team, something he said he “cannot think of doing in conflict” with his national identity. Despite the apology, PKF rejected his defence, pointing to the clear visual evidence circulating widely on social media during the GCC Cup event.
Viral videos spark national debate
The controversy erupted after photos and videos from the tournament went viral, showing Rajput not just wearing the Indian jersey but actively celebrating with the Tricolour flag—a gesture that drew sharp criticism from Pakistani sports fans and officials alike. Social media reactions ranged from accusations of disloyalty to calls for stricter oversight of athletes competing abroad.
PKF’s decision underscores growing tensions around cross-border sports participation, particularly in unofficial or private tournaments where national affiliations can blur. Federation officials stressed that NOCs serve as essential safeguards to ensure players represent Pakistan appropriately and avoid compromising situations.
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Broader implications for Indo-Pak sports
The ban highlights ongoing sensitivities in India-Pakistan sports relations, where symbols of national identity carry immense weight. Past incidents of players from both nations competing together in neutral events have occasionally surfaced, but explicit displays like flag-waving or team-jersey adoption often provoke backlash.
Sports analysts note that while private tournaments offer valuable exposure, they also expose players to risks if proper clearances are overlooked. Rajput’s case may prompt the PKF to tighten NOC requirements and introduce mandatory briefings on conduct for international appearances.
For now, the indefinite ban sidelines one of Pakistan’s recognised kabaddi talents at a critical time, with national and regional competitions approaching. Rajput has the right to appeal, but PKF sources indicate the federation remains firm on enforcing discipline to protect the sport’s integrity amid heightened public scrutiny. For in-depth report read here.
The episode serves as a reminder that in high-stakes rivalries like India-Pakistan, even celebratory gestures can escalate into major controversies with lasting career consequences.
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