Punit Balan Elected President of Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India for 2026-2030 Term

Punit Balan has been elected unopposed as the President of the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India for the 2026-2030 term. The election, held in Ranchi, saw representatives from 22 states participate, with a new executive committee formed. Balan expressed his commitment to enhancing kabaddi's global presence and supporting rural talent. His vision includes modern training facilities and increased participation among women and youth. This leadership change marks a significant step for the sport in India, aiming for greater international success.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 23, 2026, 06:29 IST

Punit Balan Takes Charge as President

Punit Balan, a sports administrator and entrepreneur from Pune, has been elected unopposed as the President of the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) for the term spanning 2026 to 2030. This decision was made during the federation's elections held in Ranchi, Jharkhand, on Sunday. The newly established executive committee includes 22 office-bearers from various states across India.

Formation of the New Executive Committee

The election saw participation from representatives of 22 states. Ramdas Tadas, a former BJP MP, has been designated as President Emeritus, while Rajkumar Singh from Bihar has been elected as Chief Patron. Ushi Reddy from Telangana has taken on the role of General Secretary for the federation.

Election Oversight

Justice Ratnakar Bhengra, a former High Court judge, acted as the Election Officer, with retired District Judge Pankaj Shrivastava serving as the Assistant Election Officer overseeing the election process.

Key Figures in Attendance

The announcement of the new leadership was attended by several federation members and office-bearers, including Arun Singh, Dr. Rajesh Gupta, Vivek Reddy, Rahul Singh, Chetan Govind Jha, Rajesh Singh, Manoj Sharma, Kunal M Tripathi, Sammi Singh, Sujal Keshari, and Pradeep Tirkey.

Balan's Vision for Kabaddi

Following his election, Balan expressed gratitude to the state associations and office-bearers for their trust in his leadership. He emphasized the importance of kabaddi as a traditional Indian sport that resonates with the public. Balan stated, "We are dedicated to enhancing the sport on a global scale, providing opportunities for talented rural athletes, developing modern training facilities, and promoting participation among women and young players." He also mentioned that the federation aims to collaborate with all state associations to foster the overall growth of Indian kabaddi and to elevate the country's success on the international stage.