The World Karate Federation (WKF) has provisionally de-recognised the Karate Association of India(KAI) with immediate effect from June 21 for infighting and violating the WKF statutes during its 2019 elections.
Reason behind the de-recognition
The 2019 elections of KAI were flawed. Currently, a part of the management led by Likha Tara claims that the office-bearers are illegally elected, another part of management is claiming control & the rest part proposing to re-appoint Bharat Sharma as vice president.
Appeal can be raised
i.KAI can present an appeal to the Disciplinary and Legal Commission within 21 days after the Executive Committee’s notification of the provisional affiliation or disaffiliation and/or the final affiliation or disaffiliation decision by the Congress.
ii.KAI’s provisional disaffiliation will be submitted for approval before its Congress at its next meeting, where KAI will be given the opportunity to express its views on its disaffiliation of WKF.
Effects of De- recognition
As the result of the de-recognition KAI will not be entitled to the exclusive rights reserved to the WKF members. It is not limited to participate in WKF events, use the WKF logo and name and represent the WKF in India.
KAI’s disaffiliation from IOA
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) disaffiliated KAI in January 2020 for violating its constitution and guidelines. The issue is related to the 2019 elections of KAI, which had no observer from the IOA & there have been accusations that the process was invalid.
About WKF:
Headquarters– Madrid, Spain
President– Antonio Espinós
