Indian Sports Ministry Urges Formation of Ad-Hoc Committee for Karate Governance

Formation of Ad-Hoc Committee for Karate

The Indian Sports Ministry has instructed the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to form an ad-hoc committee to manage Karate's administration in India. This decision comes in response to the confusion stemming from multiple organizations claiming to be the sport's national governing body, as reported by ESPN.

Currently, there are at least five organizations vying for recognition as the official authority for Karate in India, including the All India Karate-Do Federation (AIKDF), Karate Association of India (KAI), Karate India Organisation (KIO), Karate India, and The Karate Federation of India (TKFI).

Need for Clarity Ahead of Asian Games

Although Karate will not be featured in the 2024 Olympic Games, its inclusion in the upcoming Asian Games necessitates clear administrative structures to ensure athletes can prepare and compete effectively in international competitions.

In a letter to IOA President PT Usha, the ministry highlighted the urgency of establishing a governance framework, especially with the Asian Games scheduled to take place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4. The event will award a total of 56 medals, raising the stakes for Indian competitors.

Ministry's Call for Urgent Action

The ministry expressed concern that the ongoing disputes among various organizations have disrupted the orderly management of Karate, leading to uncertainty for both athletes and officials.

In its communication, the ministry requested the IOA to create a temporary or ad-hoc committee in collaboration with the relevant International Federation to oversee Karate's affairs. The letter stressed the critical need for immediate action, stating, "Such a measure is essential to protect the training and development of athletes in Karate for the Asian Games and other upcoming international events, which could face significant setbacks without a proper governance structure in place."