The International Kabaddi Federation (IKF) places on record serious constitutional objections concerning the purported elections held in Nagoya, Japan, on 22 September 2026.
Under Article 9.2(c) of the IKF Statutes & Bye-Laws, candidates for election to any position of Office Bearer or ordinary member of the Executive Board must be nominated by their own National Association and must be a citizen of that country.
1. Candidature of Mr. Tejasvi Singh Gehlot
It is specifically questioned whether Mr. Tejasvi Singh Gehlot was, at the relevant time, an office bearer or duly authorized representative of the Indian National Association competent to nominate him for an IKF Executive Board position.
If a candidate was not duly nominated by the concerned National Association in accordance with the IKF Constitution, his candidature and subsequent election are subject to a fundamental constitutional objection.
2. Candidature of Mr. Vinod Kumar Tiwari
The purported election of Mr. Vinod Kumar Tiwari as President also raises a separate question under Article 9.2(c).
If Mr. Tiwari was nominated in connection with the National Association of Kuwait, while being a citizen of India and not a citizen of Kuwait, his eligibility to contest on that basis requires clarification and verification under the express requirements of the IKF Statutes & Bye-Laws.
3. Non-Recognition Pending Constitutional Verification
In view of the above constitutional issues, the purported elections held on 22 September 2026 and the appointments arising from those proceedings are disputed and cannot be accepted or recognized by the IKF unless and until their constitutional validity, including the eligibility and nomination of the candidates, is duly established.
The IKF therefore calls for verification of:
- The National Association that nominated each candidate;
- The candidate’s eligibility and citizenship under Article 9.2(c);
- The credentials of all delegates participating in the election;
- The notice and agenda of the Congress;
- The validity of the electoral process; and
- The voting records and election proceedings.
The International Kabaddi Federation remains committed to ensuring that all elections and appointments are conducted strictly in accordance with its Constitution, Statutes & Bye-Laws and applicable governance requirements.
International Kabaddi Federation (IKF)
Official Constitutional Notice
25 September
