Pakistani Kabbadi Player Ends Up Representing Indian Team: 'Didn't Know Until Later'

Last Updated:December 18, 2025, 17:11 IST

Ubaidullah Rajput faces disciplinary action from Pakistan Kabaddi Federation after playing for an Indian team in Bahrain, sparking controversy over team representation.

India and Pakistan play a kabaddi match at the 19th Asian Gameshe Men's Team Semifinal Kabaddi match at the 19th Asian Games (PTI)

Pakistani international kabaddi player, Ubaidullah Rajput, is facing the possibility of severe disciplinary action after participating in a private tournament in Bahrain on December 16, representing an Indian team.

Ubaidullah encountered significant trouble when videos and pictures of him wearing an Indian shirt and waving the Indian flag during the GCC Cup went viral.

The Pakistan Kabaddi Federation’s secretary, Rana Sarwar, announced an emergency meeting scheduled for December 27 to discuss the matter and decide on disciplinary actions against Rajput and other players involved.

“I can confirm it was a private event with private teams formed under the names of India, Pakistan, Canada, Iran etc. in the competition by the organisers. But all the teams had players of their own origin. Indian players represented the Indian private side and Ubaidullah played for them which is unacceptable in these circumstances," Sarwar said.

He also mentioned that 16 Pakistani players travelled to Bahrain independently without obtaining permission from either the federation or the Pakistan Sports Board, and they will also face action for falsely playing under the Pakistan team’s name.

“So action will also be taken against these players for falsely playing under the names of Pakistan team."

‘Don’t Use Names Of India And Pakistan’

Rajput has apologised and clarified that he was invited to participate in the Bahrain event and was included in a private team. He claimed he was unaware that the team was named as the Indian team and had requested the organisers not to use the names of India and Pakistan.

“But I didn’t know until later they had named the side Indian team and I told the organizers to don’t use names of India and Pakistan.

“In private competitions in the past Indian and Pakistan players have played together for a private team but never under the names of India or Pakistan."

“I was not under the impression until I found out later that I was misrepresented as playing for the Indian team which I can’t think of doing after the conflict."

(With inputs from Ageencies)

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