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The Delhi High Court has allowed two players to participate in the Junior Kabaddi World Cup in Iran. 17-year-old Rohit Kumar and 19-year-old Narender were barred from playing the tournament by Sports Authourity of India (SAI). The reason for them not being allowed to play was their injury history. The duo had filed a plea against the decision.  

Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court said that playing a World Cup is an opportunity looks up to. The judiciary added that not allowing a player without proper grounds is demolarizing not just for the players but also the team.

“The opportunity to play in the World Cup is an opportunity which every player looks forward to in his sporting career. Both the petitioners are in their late teenage and a decision to not send them to represent India, that too at such a late stage, without proper grounds, would be demoralising not only to the petitioners but also to the team as a whole.”

Rohit Kumar and Narender can play the World Cup

After hearing the plea, the duo will now play the World Cup. The court has asked Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI), retired Justice S P Garg, and SAI to take immediate steps for getting the requisite documentation in place and take all necessary steps for enabling the players to travel to Iran along with the team.

“The petitioners having been selected for the World Cup, in this background, this court is of the opinion that the petitioners ought to be permitted to participate and represent India in the Junior World Championship (Boys), in Iran. Ordered accordingly,” the high court said, allowing the plea.