Absence Of Recognised Sports Federation For Karate Detrimental: Delhi High Court Calls For Mechanism For International Entries In Karate
The appeal before the Delhi High Court was filed by an Indian karate athlete seeking directions for an internationally compliant selection mechanism for the athletes.
While highlighting the importance of National Sports Federation (NSF) for Karate and observing that its absence is detrimental to the development of the sport in India, the Delhi High Court has asked the Respondent Authorities to provide an appropriate mechanism for selection and international entries in Karate until NSF is constituted.
The Letters Patent Appeal before the High Court was filed by an Indian Karate Athlete seeking directions for a fair, transparent, time-bound, and internationally compliant selection mechanism for Indian Karate athletes for the Asian Games and the 22nd Asian Senior Karate Championship.
The Bench of Justice Tejas Karia and Justice Madhu Jain held, “However, before parting, we deem it appropriate to observe that the absence of a recognised NSF for Karate is detrimental to the development of the sport in India. Indian athletes stand adversely affected, as they are deprived of opportunities to participate in international events.”
“Accordingly, the Respondents should endeavour to address the grievance raised by the Appellant and to provide an appropriate mechanism for selection and international entries in Karate until such time as a duly recognised NSF for Karate is constituted in India, in terms of the direction already issued by the learned Single Judge in the order dated 19.05.2026 passed in the Writ Petition”, it directed.
Advocate Shrimay Mishra represented the Appellant while Senior Panel Cousnel Udit Dedhiya represented the Respondent.
Arguments
It was the case of the appellant that the entry period for participation in Karate for the Asian Games was from May 2026 to July 2026 and unless urgent protective directions were issued prior to the closure of the said entry period, the Writ Petition might be rendered substantially infructuous. It was submitted that Indian Karate athletes are being deprived of a fair opportunity for consideration for the Asian Games on account of administrative inaction, unresolved governance issues in the sport of Karate, and the absence of a recognised National Sports Federation (NSF).
Reasoning & Directions
The Bench noted that the argument that no Ad-Hoc Committee for the selection of Karate athletes for participation in the Asian Games was constituted pursuant to the Ministry's order was refuted by the letters which made it evident that the Indian Olympic Association (second Respondent) had made best efforts to secure the constitution of such a committee. The Bench further noticed that the recognition of any such Ad-Hoc Committee was expressly opposed by the WKF, and athletes selected by any such committee would neither be recognised by the WKF nor permitted to participate in international events conducted under its aegis.
Thus, the Bench held, “Athletes ought not to be made to suffer on account of administrative inaction and unresolved governance issues. Their interests must remain paramount, and their opportunities to participate in international events cannot be permitted to be compromised due to disputes, regulatory uncertainty, or administrative failures.”
The Bench asked the Respondent authorities to address the grievance raised by the appellant and provide an appropriate mechanism for selection and international entries in Karate until such time as a duly recognised NSF for Karate is constituted.
Cause Title: Akshay Mahara v. Union of India (Neutral Citation: 2026:DHC:5123-DB)
Appearance
Appellant: Advocates Shrimay Mishra, Tushaar Nair
Respondent: Senior Panel Counsel Udit Dedhiya, Govt Pleader Rahul Mourya, Advocates Apurva Sachdev, Preyansh Gupta, Aashita Khanna, Ritwik Prakash