New Delhi, February 24 – The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has directed the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to form an ad-hoc committee to oversee and manage the affairs of karate in India.
The Ministry asked the IOA to constitute the ad-hoc committee in consultation with the relevant International Federation. The Ministry noted that multiple bodies are claiming to manage the sport in the country, and the current situation regarding the sport of karate reflects serious governance deficiencies.
The committee will manage the sport of karate in India, including select teams and submitting entries for international competitions, until a suitable federation is recognized as the official National Sports Federation for this discipline.
In an order dated February 23, 2026, issued by the Ministry, the government noted that no federation is currently recognized as a National Sports Federation (NSF) for karate in India.
“In the exercise of the powers under the National Sports Development Code of India, 2011 (Sports Code), the Ministry hereby requests the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to constitute a transitory committee or Ad-Hoc Committee in consultation with the concerned International Federation, to oversee and manage the affairs of the sport of Karate, including the selection of athletes and making of entries for the participation of sportspersons in international events until a suitable Federation is recognized by this Ministry as an NSF for the promotion and development of the sports discipline of Karate,” the Ministry statement said.
Multiple bodies – including the All India Karate-Do Federation, Karate Association of India, Karate India Organisation, Karate India, and The Karate Federation of India – have been claiming to govern the sport, leading to administrative confusion and legal battles.
The ministry said that recognition under the National Sports Development Code of India, 2011, carries important privileges. These include government grants, tax exemptions, and the ability to use the term “India” or “National” in a federation’s name.
The order emphasized the seriousness of the situation. Karate is an Asian Games discipline that also appeared in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. It holds considerable potential for Indian athletes. However, factionalism, a lack of a unified national structure, and uncertainty within institutions have had a negative impact on athletes’ training and participation.
The Ministry also highlighted the need for immediate action due to upcoming international events, including the Asian Games, saying that “it is crucial to protect athletes’ interests and ensure continuity in the selection and participation processes.”
