In a move that’s sent shockwaves through the kabaddi community, the International Kabaddi Federation (IKF) has officially declared the recently held Kabaddi World Cup in London as unauthorized. This announcement, made earlier this week, has stirred controversy not just among teams and fans, but also within the growing circle of kabaddi bettors and stakeholders in India and abroad.
What Exactly Happened?
The tournament, which was branded as the “Kabaddi World Cup 2025” and held in London, featured players from multiple countries including India, Pakistan, Canada, and the UK. However, the IKF has come forward stating that the event was not sanctioned by the governing body, making it unofficial.
IKF President Vinod Kumar Tiwari told ESPN that “no national federation or continental federation affiliated to IKF was part of the London tournament.” He emphasized that the participating athletes had gone without official approval, which violates IKF protocols.
“This tournament was neither recognized nor approved by us. It holds no value in terms of ranking or global kabaddi status,” Tiwari stated.
Fallout: What It Means for Players and Fans
This decision could lead to serious consequences for players who participated in the unauthorized event. The IKF has hinted at potential bans or suspensions for those involved, especially if they belong to countries with strong domestic kabaddi structures like India, Iran, and South Korea.
For fans and especially those involved in kabaddi betting, the news is equally disruptive. Many bettors placed real money wagers on the outcome of the London tournament, believing it to be an officially recognized World Cup.
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Politics or Protection?
Some insiders suggest this could be a power move by the IKF to maintain centralized control over the global kabaddi calendar. The London event was organized independently, and its success may have threatened the IKF’s monopoly on major international tournaments.
That said, the IKF is expected to organize its own official Kabaddi World Cup later this year or in 2026, with full participation from member nations and under proper regulatory oversight.
What’s Next?
This controversy raises a bigger question: Is kabaddi ready for a more open and decentralized global structure? While the IKF insists on maintaining authority, independent organizers are showing there’s appetite for kabaddi worldwide.
For fans, especially in India, the focus now shifts to Pro Kabaddi League Season 11, expected to start later this year. You can keep your eye on PKL fixtures and betting odds on Stake, where kabaddi betting is getting more refined and data-driven than ever before.
