Four Pakistani Kabaddi Players Banned Receive Four-Year Ban
Lahore, Pakistan – In a major disciplinary move, four Pakistani kabaddi players have been banned for four years after refusing to undergo doping tests during the National Championship held in Lahore. The Anti-Doping Organization of Pakistan (ADOP) issued the notification confirming the ban, which is effective from October 21, 2025.
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The banned athletes—Ubaidullah Rajput, Malik Bin Yameen, Rana Haider, and Kashif Sandhu—declined to provide samples for doping control, an act considered a positive violation under anti-doping regulations. Officials emphasized that refusal to comply with doping procedures is treated with the same severity as testing positive for banned substances.
Disciplinary Measures by Pakistan Kabaddi Federation
The Pakistan Kabaddi Federation (PKF) has responded swiftly, calling a meeting of its disciplinary committee scheduled for January 12, 2026, in Lahore. The committee, headed by Rana Amjad Iqbal and including members Akhtar Abbas, Colonel Nabil, Sohail Ahmed, and Rana Sarwar, will hear the players’ explanations.
According to PKF regulations, failure to appear before the disciplinary committee will result in the ban being enforced without further proceedings. Federation officials stated that the decision is aimed at maintaining transparency, fairness, and the integrity of kabaddi in Pakistan.
Past Controversies and International Incidents
This is not the first controversy involving these players. In December 2025, Ubaidullah Rajput drew criticism for participating in a kabaddi tournament in Bahrain while wearing an Indian jersey and waving the Indian flag.
The Pakistan Kabaddi Federation clarified that 16 Pakistani players participated in Bahrain independently, without representing Pakistan’s national team. The federation had neither granted permission nor issued No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for their participation, highlighting ongoing challenges in regulating athletes competing abroad.
Impact on Pakistani Kabaddi Players Banned
The four-year ban is expected to have a significant impact on the domestic kabaddi scene in Pakistan. National Championship matches in Lahore and other regions rely on experienced players like Rajput and Yameen to lead and inspire younger athletes.
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Sports analysts in Lahore suggest that the ban may serve as a cautionary measure for other athletes, emphasizing strict adherence to anti-doping regulations. “It’s a wake-up call for all players,” said former national kabaddi coach Sohail Ahmed. “Athletes must respect the rules to maintain the sport’s credibility internationally.”
Public Reaction and Expert Opinions
Fans and sports enthusiasts have expressed mixed reactions on social media. While some support the ADOP’s decision as necessary to uphold fair play, others believe the punishment is severe and may harm the careers of young players.
Sports governance expert Dr. Rana Amjad Iqbal commented, “Refusing a doping test is taken very seriously worldwide. The ADOP’s decision aligns Pakistan with global anti-doping standards, even if it’s tough on the players involved.”
Looking Ahead for Pakistan Kabaddi
The PKF has stated that it will continue to monitor domestic and international competitions to prevent unauthorized participation and ensure compliance with anti-doping rules. The federation also plans educational workshops for players on doping awareness and international sports regulations.
Kabaddi remains one of Pakistan’s most popular traditional sports, and Lahore has emerged as a central hub for national-level tournaments. Ensuring fair play is essential not just for the sport’s integrity but also for Pakistan’s reputation in international kabaddi.
The ban on Ubaidullah Rajput, Malik Bin Yameen, Rana Haider, and Kashif Sandhu marks a decisive step by ADOP and the Pakistan Kabaddi Federation to uphold the integrity of kabaddi in Lahore and across Pakistan. Fans, athletes, and officials now watch closely as the disciplinary committee prepares to meet, emphasizing that adherence to rules and sportsmanship remains paramount.
