Indian Sports Ministry Calls for Interim Body to Oversee Karate Governance

The Indian Sports Ministry is taking steps to improve karate governance by urging the Indian Olympic Association to appoint an ad-hoc body. This move aims to resolve the confusion caused by multiple organizations claiming authority over the sport, which has led to legal disputes and hindered athletes' progress. With karate's inclusion in the Asian Games and the Tokyo Olympics, the ministry recognizes the sport's potential and the need for effective governance to support budding athletes. Read on to learn more about the current state of karate in India and the ministry's plans for reform.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 25, 2026, 05:17 IST

Request for Ad-Hoc Body to Manage Karate

The Indian Sports Ministry has urged the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to establish an ad-hoc committee to oversee karate in the country. In an official communication, Director of Sports Bangararaju VK has formally requested the IOA to form this temporary body to enhance the sport's management.

The ministry has observed that multiple organizations are vying for recognition as the legitimate governing body for karate, leading to confusion among athletes and resulting in numerous legal disputes that have hindered the sport's progress in India.

Currently, there are five state associations asserting their claim as the sole governing authority for karate. These include the All India Karate-Do Federation (AIKDF), Karate India Organisation (KIO), Karate India (KI), and The Karate Federation of India (TKFI), all of which conduct regular state and national competitions, often imposing significant entry fees on participants.

Notably, the sports ministry does not officially recognize any of these organizations as the National Sports Federation. The communication also highlights karate's potential, noting its inclusion in the Asian Games and its presence in the Tokyo Olympics sports lineup.

The letter emphasizes, "Karate is a sport featured in the Asian Games and was part of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. There is immense potential among young Indian athletes to excel on the international stage. However, the lack of effective governance is making it challenging for these athletes to realize their full potential."